url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3963,PLASKETT STATEMENT ON USDA ORDER ALLOWING INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF SWINE PRODUCTS FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUERTO RICO,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,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, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) revised Federal Order regarding transportation of swine products from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to the mainland United States:

“As a member of the House Agriculture Committee I am happy to announce that effective today, certain swine products and byproducts are now permitted for interstate travel from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to the mainland United States.

“On September 16th, APHIS issued a Federal Order suspending the interstate movement of all live swine, swine germplasm, swine products and swine byproducts from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to the mainland United States following the detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. While ASF has not been detected in the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico, this action was taken by APHIS out of an abundance of caution to safeguard the swine industry and prevent the possible introduction and spread of ASF.

“The revised Federal Order issued today allows for processed swine products and byproducts to move from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to the mainland United States as cargo if commercially cooked, hermetically sealed, and are shelf-stable without refrigeration. This revision also allows travelers to bring certain processed swine products and byproducts in passenger baggage. Swine hunting trophies from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will be allowed to enter the mainland United States if they are fully taxidermy finished and require no further processing or treatment.

“I am pleased by this timely decision to allow the interstate movement of swine products from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. With the holiday season upon us, it will help consumers and producers of food to be able to move pork commodities in commerce and travel throughout the rest of the country.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3954,PLASKETT STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"PRESS STATEMENT

PLASKETT STATEMENT ON PASSING OF THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding the passing of the Build Back Better Act:

“Today the House passed the Build Back Better Act. This transformational legislation meets the needs of ALL American families including those in the Virgin Islands, now and for generations to come. From prescription drugs to childcare to family care, this Democrat bill lowers the kitchen table costs that are holding back working parents, it expands healthcare for our elders – while also delivering a major middle class tax cut and historic action on the climate crisis. Today, I proudly supported this landmark legislation, which will make a lasting difference for Virgin Island families.

“As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee I was honored to draft and work on the major portions of this bill. The priorities in the current reconciliation bill show that Democrats have upheld our steadfast commitment to equity, resiliency, more jobs, better health care and education, and a greener economy that are central to our Build Back Better agenda. The bill provides for universal pre-kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-old children, and reduces the cost of day-care for young children. The measure also invests in small businesses and their access to credit. The legislation addresses workforce development, rural development, and makes real investment for affordable housing and stabilizing housing in marginal communities. I am pleased to announce that this historic legislation includes some very important provisions for the Virgin Islands. Notable provisions for the Virgin Islands in the Build Back Better Act are as follows:

“Tax Credit for Investment in U.S. Territories — The Build Back Better Act includes a new economic activity credit related to wages paid to employees and tangible investments of active businesses in U.S. territories. The credit would be enhanced in cases of smaller-sized employers in the territories. This credit can be used to offset new tax increases imposed on businesses in the Virgin Islands under the Trump administration. The small business provision will be especially important to stimulate economic development in the territories. The Virgin Islands business community and Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and his team were especially invaluable to address this issue which is very technical but has a major impact on our economic viability.

“Territorial Highway Program funding — The territories are in great need of much higher transportation infrastructure funding to recover from decades of underfunding and recent natural disasters. The Build Back Better Act would increase federal highway funding to the Virgin Islands from $16.8 million to at least $40 million each year through fiscal year 2026. This additional funding is critical to helping the Virgin Islands catch up, bring arterial roads up to federal standards, and reverse deteriorating conditions of transportation infrastructure due to unprecedented extreme weather events. Investing in infrastructure resiliency has been a central theme of the Build Back Better agenda, and I am pleased to see the Build Back Better plan extend that principle equally to transportation infrastructure in the territories.

“Department of the Interior assistance to U.S. Territories — The Build Back Better Act would appropriate $160 million dollars in Department of the Interior assistance to improve critical infrastructure in the Virgin Islands. This assistance is very important because critical infrastructure in the territories has been historically underfunded in federal programs, and such infrastructure is otherwise vulnerable due to factors such as remote location and challenges related to climate change.

“College Access Program for U.S. Territories — Since my first term in office I have authored legislation to help our college bound students have choices. The Build Back Better Act would establish my plan to have a college access grants program for students in the small territories to cover the difference between the tuition for in-state students and out-of-state students at participating institutions of higher education. This program will enable college-bound Virgin Islands residents to have greater choices among institutions of higher education, and to mitigate the strain of student debt for our young people. It is important to help our students expand their options in applying to college, and to make those options more affordable.

“In addition, the Build Back Better Act would finally extend the Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) program to residents of the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories, and provide permanent Medicaid funding certainty to the territories. Since coming to Congress, I have been advocating for the American citizens living in the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories to be afforded equal benefits. As early as 1973, my predecessors have been advocating and introducing legislation for the SSI benefit. In the Virgin Islands, and indeed the other territories as well, this supplemental income is needed to support our residents with the greatest needs. Ensuring equal access to federal SSI assistance will help our most needy Virgin Islanders put food on their tables and ease the financial pressures those families are facing. Furthermore, the plan contains sufficient federal Medicaid funding to the Virgin Islands, provided indefinitely in this Build Back Better plan, creating equity in federal matching funds which will help to improve the health security of our people for many years to come.

“I again want to thank Governor Bryan and his team for coming to Washington in September and working collaboratively with our office in order to amplify these important measures which are extremely important to the economic development of the Virgin Islands. Because it is fully paid for, our Build Back Better Act will also help fight inflation as our economy recovers, empowering more parents to return to the workforce and lowering the everyday expenses that weigh heaviest on working families.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3953,PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT PROVISIONS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,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 on the provisions included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the Virgin Islands which passed the House today:

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the largest long-term investment in U.S. infrastructure in almost 100 years. As we know, the infrastructure in the Virgin Islands has suffered from a systemic lack of investment that has been further exacerbated by the storms of 2017. This historic act will make life better for hundreds of thousands of residents in the Virgin Islands, create a generation of good-paying union jobs and economic growth. The following provisions are included for the Virgin Islands:

Through the Territorial Highway Program (THP), the Virgin Islands would expect to receive more than $95 million over five years to rebuild roads and bridges. The VI would also be able to compete for $7.5 billion in funding over five years for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities.

Based on formula funding alone, the Virgin Islands would expect to receive nearly $30 million over five years under this legislation to improve public transportation options across the territory.

The V.I. will receive a minimum allocation of $25 million to help improve broadband service and to promote broadband adoption and affordability. Also, under this legislation, thousands of Virgin Islanders will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level afford internet access.

Based on historical formula funding levels, the V.I. will expect to receive $2.5 million to protect against cyberattacks. The Virgin Islands will also benefit from the bill’s historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.

The Virgin Islands can expect to receive over $37 million over five years to improve water infrastructure in the region and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is accessible.

Additionally, the V.I. would receive approximately $30 million for airport infrastructure development over five years.

“I’m looking forward to the final passage of the historic Build Back Better bill that will put our Virgin Islands workers, families and children first. I will continue to work with the Senate to ensure that our priorities for the people of are included in the final reconciliation package.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3942,PLASKETT STATEMENT ON RELEASE OF THE BUILD BACK BETTER FRAMEWORK,2021-10-29,2021,2021-10,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, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding the Build Back Better framework:

“Yesterday, President Biden addressed our Democratic Caucus regarding the framework to Build Back Better Act. I am pleased to announce that this historic legislation includes some very important provisions for the Virgin Islands. With the inclusion of these priorities in the current reconciliation bill, Democrats have upheld our steadfast commitment to equity, resiliency, more jobs, better health care and education, and a greener economy that are central to our Build Back Better agenda. Notable provisions for the Virgin Islands in the Build Back Better plan are as follows:

“Tax Credit for Investment in U.S. Territories — The Build Back Better plan includes a new economic activity credit related to wages paid to employees and tangible investments of active businesses in U.S. territories. The credit would be enhanced in cases of smaller-sized employers in the territories. This credit can be used to offset new tax increases imposed on businesses in the Virgin Islands under the Trump administration. The small business provision will be especially important to stimulate economic development in the territories.

“Territorial Highway Program funding — The territories are in great need of much higher transportation infrastructure funding to recover from decades of underfunding and recent natural disasters. The Build Back Better plan would increase federal highway funding to the Virgin Islands by $128 million through fiscal year 2026. This additional funding is critical to helping the Virgin Islands catch up, bring arterial roads up to federal standards, and reverse deteriorating conditions of transportation infrastructure due to unprecedented extreme weather events. Investing in infrastructure resiliency has been a central theme of the Build Back Better agenda, and I am pleased to see the Build Back Better plan extend that principle equally to transportation infrastructure in the territories.

“Department of the Interior assistance to U.S. Territories — The Build Back Better plan would appropriate a $160 million dollars in Department of the Interior assistance to improve critical infrastructure in the Virgin Islands. This assistance is very important because critical infrastructure in the territories has been historically underfunded in federal programs, and such infrastructure is otherwise vulnerable due to factors such as remote location and challenges related to climate change.

“College Access Program for U.S. Territories — Since my first term in office I have authored legislation to help our college bound students have choices. The Build Back Better plan would establish my plan to have a college access grants program for students in the territories to cover the difference between the tuition for in-state students and out-of-state students at participating institutions of higher education. This program will enable college-bound residents of the territories to have greater choices among institutions of higher education, and to mitigate the strain of student debt for our young people. It is important to help our students expand their options in applying to college, and to make those options more affordable.

“In addition, the Build Back Better plan would finally extend the Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) program to residents of the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories, and provide permanent Medicaid funding certainty to the territories. Since coming to Congress, I have been advocating for the American citizens living in the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories to be afforded equal benefits. As early as 1973, my predecessors have been advocating and introducing legislation for the SSI benefit. In the Virgin Islands, and indeed the other territories as well, this supplemental income is needed to support our residents with the greatest needs. Ensuring equal access to federal SSI assistance will help our most needy Virgin Islanders put food on their tables and ease the financial pressures those families are facing. Furthermore, the plan contains sufficient federal Medicaid funding to the Virgin Islands, provided indefinitely in this Build Back Better plan, creating equity in federal matching funds which will help to improve the health security of our people for many years to come.

“The Build Back Better plan contains numerous additional investments in children and families, economic security, education, home health care, housing, energy improvements, water and broadband infrastructure, and resiliency. The enhanced Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit are continued for an additional year through 2022.

“I want to also thank Governor Bryan and his team for coming to Washington in September and working collaboratively with our office in order to amplify these important measures which are extremely important to the economic development of the Virgin Islands.

“Finally, this framework is a testament to President Biden and Democrats in Congress who have worked tirelessly to forge this agreement, and to the activists and ordinary Americans who have fought for years, sometimes longer, to bring the America we know closer to the America we believe in. This framework along with the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill is transformation for our nation. The two pieces will be generational changes that will bolster America’s economy while not leaving the American people behind. The work in Congress must continue, but today’s important agreement is an important step on our long journey to live up to our highest standards as Americans.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3940,"CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF COLIN POWELL, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE",2021-10-18,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

October 18, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF COLIN POWELL, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement expressing condolences on the passing of Colin Powell:

I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Secretary of State, Colin Powell. He was a towering figure to me—Caribbean American, New Yorker, statesman, soldier, diplomat, servant, humble, ground breaker, pioneer and the epitome of accountability. He loved his wife and family, and his country. The first time I met him was at a State Department meeting. I staffed my boss, Larry Thompson who was the Deputy Attorney General at that time. As we walked through the hall to a conference room, a big man in a suit was bent over a copy machine trying to unjam paper. It was Secretary Powell. My boss stopped and said with a chuckle, “Mr. Secretary, you all right down there?” Secretary Powell got off his knees with an embarrassed staffer next to him and said, “General Thompson, just trying to help my staff get these documents together for the meeting.” My boss rolled his eyes, “You’re always looking for a reason to tinker with some damn machine.” They shook hands and we walked into the meeting.

This was my first and lasting impression of Mr. Powell—no job was ever too big nor too small for him. He spoke and lived by the principles he believed in and was an eternal optimist. I strive to embody the diligence and excellence he exercised in whatever he set his hands and mind to do.

Enter your rest sir, you’ve 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.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3941,PLASKETT SENDS LETTER TO U.S. POSTMASTER GENERAL REGARDING INADEQUATE POSTAL SERVICE TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS,2021-10-18,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

October 18, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

PLASKETT SENDS LETTER TO U.S. POSTMASTER GENERAL REGARDING INADEQUATE POSTAL SERVICE TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding her letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy regarding the persistent problems with the operation of mail service to the Virgin Islands:

“Today, I sent a letter with Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, and other colleagues on the committee, to the Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service (USPS) to request his attention to the substantial inequities of service occurring in the district of the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a remote location in the United States, the Virgin Islands is highly dependent on the USPS, and the service currently provided is far below the standard service elsewhere in the United States. The inadequacies fall into two categories: the lack of adequate personnel and delayed packages.

“My office has reached out to USPS management at the local and regional level multiple times to request that mail be flown directly to the Virgin Islands and sorted there. Our office has been told repeatedly that the Virgin Islands does not have enough mail volume to require a sorting machine. Yet, in Puerto Rico there is not enough personnel to sort the mail bound for both U.S. territories, and it is the mail bound for the Virgin Islands that is delayed as a result. Additionally, with the increase in bulk packages being shipped to the Virgin Islands through USPS, mail volume has increased. The increase in volume should not inure solely to the benefit of USPS personnel numbers in Puerto Rico. I am thankful for the Chairwoman of the full committee and the other members of the committee for lending their support to these issues.

“Next, there are far too many cases of damaged packages delivered to the Virgin Islands. While some accidents are inevitable, there is an unusually high volume of parcels arriving to the Virgin Islands with water damage, boxes forcibly opened and then hastily re-taped, accusations of theft, as well as evidence of footprints left on packages, suggesting they have been stepped on or kicked. Furthermore, due to the unusually high volume of mail coming into Puerto Rico, some USPS locations lack the space to store the backlog of mail, and it is often left outside, where it is inevitably damaged by weather.

“My letter requests that the Postmaster General immediately investigate these matters thoroughly to provide the people of the Virgin Islands with solutions to these deeply concerning issues and the USPS service that they need and deserve. My letter requests that that Postmaster General reconsider having mail bound for the Virgin Islands sorted in Miami, Florida and delivered directly to the Virgin Islands. It is the duty of the Postal Service to provide adequate service to the citizens of the United States, including Americans in locations outside of the contiguous United States, such as the Virgin Islands.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3939,"CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT AND GOVERNOR BRYAN DISCUSS BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT, PROGRESS OF RECOVERY PROJECTS",2021-10-05,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

October 5, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT AND GOVERNOR BRYAN DISCUSS BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT, PROGRESS OF RECOVERY PROJECTS

US VIRGIN ISLANDS — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, Governor Albert Bryan Jr., Office of Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne Williams-Octalien, and senior Bryan-Roach Administration officials met Tuesday with a team from Witt-O'Brien’s and FEMA’s Acting Region 2 Administrator Chad Gorman and his team about the status of recovery projects throughout the Territory that resulted from the 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The daylong discussions centered on how the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is applying the mandates and requirements regarding the funding and federal assistance for the U.S. Virgin Islands’ recovery from the back-to-back Category 5 storms that is dictated by the U.S. Congress’ Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA).

Discussions focused on about three dozen recovery projects from the Education, Emergency Services, Healthcare and Communications sectors, as well as dozens of repairs and resiliency upgrades to roads, sewer and water systems and other needed infrastructure projects.

Governor Bryan hosted the meeting from Government House on St. Croix and virtually with federal partners in Washington, D.C., to accomplish a number of goals:

Getting clear guidance on implementation of the BBA and supplemental provisions for USVI Projects.

Achieving a clearer understanding of road eligibility determination.

Reaching agreement on solutions for the fair application of cost factors.

Reaching agreement on timelines and extensions for fixed cost offers.

Finding resolutions to lingering issues that are affecting progress of the recovery.

“I am grateful for Governor Bryan calling a summit on recovery with key members of FEMA leadership. My team and I were pleased to be a part of very important discussions with FEMA that we hope will facilitate a clear understanding of how our disaster recovery projects will move forward. It’s been unfortunate that to date we have not seen the high rate of FEMA's approval of projects and the determinations of what will be repaired and what will be replaced,” Congresswoman Plaskett said. “Today, FEMA committed to making these determinations expeditiously and in accordance with the provisions laid out in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. Congress purposefully designed specific law for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to create resilience. Our office, the Office of Disaster Recovery, and the Bryan/Roach administration will work together to ensure that the proposed timelines are met. So much of what we are working to do here in the Virgin Islands falls directly within President Biden’s commitment to make sure that every community is not only resilient but has a foundation for the community’s success.”

“I am grateful for Regional Administrator Chad Gorman and the FEMA delegation agreeing to spend the day with us to work out some of the technical issues affecting several important recovery projects,” Governor Bryan said. “Delegate Plaskett and I were able to make significant progress in ensuring FEMA understands that the intent of Congress in passing the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 was to allow the territory to not only recover from the storms, but to build back better in a resilient and sustainable fashion. I believe we are all on the same page following this discussion.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3937,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES NOMINATION OF NEW U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS,2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,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: Michael J. McQuerry

September 28, 2021 202-215-8524

Press Statement

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES NOMINATION OF NEW U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding the White House nomination of the U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Virgin Islands:

“I am very pleased to announce the nomination by President Biden of Ms. Delia Smith to the post of U.S. Attorney of the U.S. Virgin Islands. A native St. Johnian, Ms. Smith has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Virgin Islands for several years. Her journey to this moment truly shows her tremendous strength and integrity that will serve our country and the people of the Virgin Islands well. Ms. Smith attended the University of the Virgin Islands while working and taking care of a young child as a single mother. She then went on to graduate from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University and upon graduation from law school, clerked for Judge Ishmael Myers in the Virgin Islands. Interestingly, Ms. Smith worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Virgin Islands as a secretary while she was an undergraduate student at UVI.

“I am tremendously proud to have put forward Ms. Smith’s name for the position of U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands. Ms. Smith has received awards for her work and integrity in the U.S. Attorneys office. She has tried numerous cases and has worked tirelessly to stamp out drug trafficking in the Virgin Islands as the lead coordinator for the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. Having a Virgin Islander who has made her career in public service and defending our home from the scourge of drugs and crime means a great deal. I think we all recognize the importance of seeing a woman, a Caribbean woman, a native daughter of this caliber agreeing to serve our nation and the Virgin Islands in this role during this time.

“I want to once again thank President Biden for this nomination and keeping his promise that his administration will look like America and recognizing that our diversity is our strength. Ms. Smith, her husband, and her family have my genuine and hearty congratulations on this honor. I look forward to supporting her through the confirmation process and to the work that she and her team will get done during her tenure.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3938,"CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR $623,046 FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) FOR FREDERIKSTED HEALTH CARE, INC. OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS",2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,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: Michael J. McQuerry

September 28, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR $623,046 FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) FOR FREDERIKSTED HEALTH CARE, INC. OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement regarding a grant totaling $623,046.00 from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) for Frederiksted Health Care, Inc. of the Virgin Islands (FHCVI):

“I am very pleased to announce that Frederiksted Health Care, Inc. of the Virgin Islands (FHCVI) was awarded a grant totaling $623,046.00 from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) for Health Center Infrastructure support and assistance. These funds have been allocated to nonprofit agencies like FHCVI to ensure and provide all members our community with access to healthcare. Access to primary medical care, dental, and behavioral healthcare is essential and a basic human right that no one should have to go without.

“For our Virgin Islanders to thrive and maintain quality of life regardless of their health status, ability to pay, and insurance, we must ensure that they and their families have access to resources that will enable them to do so. With infrastructure funding for FHCVI, we are guaranteeing that health centers in our territory take necessary measures to enhance maintenance and expansions of optimal health services to continue serving our community.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3936,PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF HER AMENDMENT APPROVING NON-IMMIGRANT VISITOR VISA WAIVERS FOR ENTRY INTO THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS FOR UP TO 45 DAYS,2021-09-22,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

September 22, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF HER AMENDMENT APPROVING NON-IMMIGRANT VISITOR VISA WAIVERS FOR ENTRY INTO THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS FOR UP TO 45 DAYS

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after her amendment to H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, was accepted 235-190 approving nonimmigrant visitor visa waivers for entry into the U.S. Virgin Islands for up to 45 days:

“This amendment 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.

“My amendment 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 amendment would apply solely to the U.S. Virgin Islands and, because the Virgin Islands is outside the U.S. customs zone, it would not allow entry into any other part of the United States.

“The U.S. Virgin Islands must compete with other Caribbean islands for cruise ships and tourist visitors and for the most competitive tourist attraction. This visa waiver program will lead to increased tourism, greater opportunities to host international events, and more support for our small businesses that have been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and impact on the travel and tourism industry.

“For example, the Virgin Islands annually hosts numerous yacht shows and regattas; however, due to the extensive visa acquirement process currently in place, participation and attendance is significantly lower in comparison to similar events in other Caribbean islands.

“This amendment would remain reasonably limited in scope to the Caribbean community and other countries approved by the Department of Homeland Security. A provision also allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend waivers to any individuals or countries if they pose a risk the law enforcement or security interests of the United States or at the Secretary’s own discretion.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3934,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF EDGAR ILES,2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,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: Michael J. McQuerry

September 21, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF EDGAR ILES

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement expressing her condolences to the family and friends of Edgar Iles:

“St. Croix, particularly the Frederiksted community, has suffered a great loss in the passing of Edgar Iles. A faithful Rotarian, having served as a President of Rotary West and former 2 term member of the Virgin Islands legislature, he truly lived out the motto, “Service above Self” with his life. Mr. Iles was also an active member of the American Legion, having served our country in the U.S. military during the Korean War. In the words of one of his sons, he was a true statesman, community-oriented. He also took the helm of the Crucian Christmas Festival, sharing his love of and high regard of Crucian culture. Most importantly, Mr. Iles was a devoted father, grandfather, husband and friend.

“I give the condolences of myself, family and staff to Mr. Iles’ wife Dolores, his beloved children—5 sons and 3 daughters—and grandchildren, along with his extended family and friends who mourn his passing. May God’s peace comfort your hearts during this time.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3935,PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON HOUSE LEGISLATION TO KEEP GOVERNMENT RUNNING & AVOID DEFAULT,2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,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: Michael J. McQuerry

September 21, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON HOUSE LEGISLATION TO KEEP GOVERNMENT RUNNING & AVOID DEFAULT

“This bill includes a provision to cancel the outstanding balances of Community Disaster Loans (CDLs) issued by FEMA to the Virgin Islands. This will save the Virgin Islands more than $300 million in much needed revenue,” stated Congresswoman Plaskett.

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement as the House prepares to pass legislation to keep the government running:

“This week, the House is expected to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through December and avoid a government shutdown, which would be catastrophic for families and the economy as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased to announce that this bill includes a provision to cancel the outstanding balances of Community Disaster Loans (CDLs) issued by FEMA to the Virgin Islands after the hurricanes. This will save the Virgin Islands more than $300 million in much needed revenue. It will also remove restrictions imposed on the territory’s ability to obtain financing to mitigate massive revenue losses caused by the pandemic and preceding severe hurricane disasters. The territory’s continuing financial difficulties have been exacerbated by the CDLs—not only because of their repayment obligations, but also because of their impact the territory’s ability to access other forms of needed financing. The terms of the CDL promissory notes give FEMA and the U.S. Treasury the ability to preempt any further borrowing by the Virgin Islands and encumbers a major revenue stream.

“The CR also extends the current enhanced rate of federal matching funds (89.2%) for Medicaid in the Virgin Islands through December 3, 2021 (the life of the continued federal government funding), averting a sharp decline in the rate of federal Medicaid funding to the Virgin Islands. My office working with the local government and other Members of Congress representing the territories was able to change the rate of federal matching funds in 2017 on a temporary basis which we have been able to continue. That change in federal match for Medicaid along with raising the amount paid by Medicaid has allowed the Government of the Virgin Islands to enroll over 20,000 additional Virgin Islanders in Medicaid providing vital healthcare to our community.

“Also included in the bill is a suspension of the debt limit through December 2022. Addressing the debt limit is about meeting obligations our government has already made, including to our Social Security recipients, to our veterans and to the millions who stand to benefit from the bipartisan COVID relief legislation passed in December – which was authored by multiple GOP Senators and voted for by more than 40 Republicans and signed into law by the previous president.

“I am proud of the work being done by the House Democratic Caucus to meet our responsibilities and advance the interest of all Americans. I am hopeful the bill will pass, and I am grateful to House Leadership for including the forgiveness of the Virgin Islands outstanding Community Disaster Loans in this CR, which will avert a government shutdown. I want to thank Governor Bryan for his continued request for this forgiveness and I am hopeful that he and our legislature will leverage this opportunity to the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3899,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $8 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING FOR LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS,2021-09-14,2021,2021-09,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: Michael J. McQuerry

September 14, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $8 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING FOR LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement regarding an $8 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) for Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands (LSSVI):

“I am very pleased to announce that HHS has awarded a grant for $8,028,629 to LSSVI for Head Start Disaster Assistance. These funds have been allocated to agencies like LSSVI to care well for our children. Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children from low-income families and provides our children with the educational foundation that is crucial for children ages five and under.

“For our children to succeed regardless of their socio-economic status, we must ensure that they and their families have access to resources that will enable them to do so. Disaster assistance funding for Head Start aids in ensuring that these programs in our territory will be able to continue operations despite natural disasters.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3897,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF HOLLAND A. REDFIELD,2021-09-13,2021,2021-09,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: Michael J. McQuerry

September 12, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF HOLLAND A. REDFIELD

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement expressing her condolences to the family and friends of Holland A. Redfield:

“I am beyond saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend, Holland Redfield. A consummate public servant, from the time Holland arrived in the Virgin Islands in the 1960’s, he made it his life’s mission to improve the quality of life in in our territory. A commercial pilot by trade but a statesman at heart, Holland served in a number of positions in the Virgin Islands government, the most notable being a six-term senator in the V.I. Legislature. In whatever role he held, he was known for being a staunch advocate for the people of the Virgin Islands. We also all grew to know and love his signature voice as a radio personality through the years, particularly on his show, Straight Talk with Holland Redfield. I always enjoyed every opportunity to engage with him and his listeners for the good-natured sparring for which he was well-known.

“Holland was a true friend of both my family and I, ever supportive and loyal to a fault. I am deeply grateful for the indelible mark that he has made on our culture, our politics, our government and our territory as a whole. We have indeed lost a giant and a pillar of our community.

“I send my love and prayers for comfort and peace to his daughter, his beloved grandchildren and other family and friends during this time.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3898,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ELLIOT “MAC” DAVIS,2021-09-13,2021,2021-09,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: Michael J. McQuerry

September 13, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ELLIOT “MAC” DAVIS

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement expressing her condolences to the family and friends of Elliott “Mac” Davis:

“My heart is tremendously heavy to hear of the passing of Mac Davis. He came to the Virgin Islands as a young child and in no time adapted our culture and made our home his own. Mac exemplified the beauty of intersectionality through his willingness to embrace the local culture of the Virgin Islands and his commitment to bettering our community through his activism and philanthropy. He faithfully and capably served our territory as V.I. Solicitor General for many years. He was also hugely influential in our St. Thomas community as a devoted Rotarian, Salvation Army Volunteer, and Magens Bay Authority Board member. Mac was well-known for his magnanimous demeanor and his generosity with his time as well as for his great love for his wife and children.

“I send my love to his wife, Deborah Kreke Davis as well as his children, Joe, Elizabeth and Elliott, along with all of the loved ones and friends who are grieving Mac’s passing. I pray peace and comfort for your hearts during this time.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3896,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SHARES RESULTS OF LIMETREE ECONOMIC IMPACT SURVEY,2021-09-10,2021,2021-09,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: Michael J. McQuerry

September 10, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SHARES RESULTS OF LIMETREE ECONOMIC IMPACT SURVEY

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the results of her office’s Limetree Economic Impact Survey:

“My office recently conducted a survey to gather constituent information concerning the economic impact of the Limetree Bay Refinery shutdown. Over the past few months, although there was a great effort by community groups to gather information regarding the environmental and health impacts of the refinery, there did not appear to be much community conversations around how the refinery’s closure was affecting the people of the Virgin Islands from an economic standpoint. This survey provided an opportunity for individuals who may not have had a chance to share their experiences to do so.

“I’d like to thank each of the individuals that took the time to participate in the survey, especially those who shared their specific comments and experiences regarding the shutdown. We value these experiences and hope to share the data with other members of Congress and the Biden administration, as well as our local government to give those decision-makers a sense of the community’s thoughts on the economic impact of the shutdown in the territory. The survey results are another touchpoint that demonstrate the dire need for the remediation efforts that the Biden infrastructure plan is focused on providing. President Biden’s Infrastructure bill invests $21 billion in environmental remediation, the largest investment in addressing much of the legacy pollution that has historically harmed the public health of communities and neighborhoods of color, it also creates good-paying union jobs in hard-hit energy communities and advances economic and environmental justice. Additionally, the aged electric grid we have in the Virgin Islands needs urgent modernization. With the right investment of federal dollars, we would have the ability to upgrade our power infrastructure and make a meaningful, lasting transition to clean energy jobs and to renewable energy sources.”

The results are available to view here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3895,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING THE PATH OUT OF THE PANDEMIC: PRESIDENT BIDEN’S COVID-19 ACTION PLAN,2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,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: Michael J. McQuerry

September 9, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING THE PATH OUT OF THE PANDEMIC: PRESIDENT BIDEN’S COVID-19 ACTION PLAN

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding President Biden’s COVID-19 Action Plan:

“Since President Biden took office, he has pulled every lever to save lives and stop the spread of the virus. Since January 20, our nation has gone from 2 million fully vaccinated Americans to more than 175 million. And since early July, we have seen a consistent trend of increasing vaccinations with an average of 825,000 shots a day. Throughout the pandemic, the Biden administration has worked around the clock to get more people vaccinated, decrease hospitalizations and deaths, and keep our schools and economy open.

“Today, President Biden outlined a robust plan to build on our progress, stop the spread of the Delta variant, and increase vaccinations. The wartime spirit and science-based plan reflects the Biden administration’s whole-of-government approach and unwavering commitment to defeat the deadly virus at home and abroad.

“President Biden’s COVID-19 action plan – The Path Out of the Pandemic – focuses on:

1. Vaccinating the Unvaccinated: President Biden announced vaccination requirements that cover an estimated 100 million Americans – two thirds of all workers – including all employees in the federal government and those at most health care settings, with exceptions as required by law.

2. Further Protecting the Vaccinated: President Biden announced there will be enough booster shots available to everyone for free as soon as they are authorized – with a national distribution system ready, providing easy access for all eligible Americans, and ensuring Americans know where to get a booster.

3. Keeping Schools Safely Open: The President called on all governors to require vaccinations for all teachers and staff, will require vaccination for educators at federal Head Start Programs, and is helping increase regular testing at schools. And, any teacher or school official whose pay is withheld by a governor, because the school official has implemented COVID safety standards, will have that pay restored by the federal government – 100%.

4. Increasing Testing & Requiring Masking: The President’s plan will ensure that every American – no matter their income – can access free, convenient tests. The plan expands easy-to-use testing production through the Defense Production Act, makes tests more affordable, expands free pharmacy testing, and sends free rapid tests to food banks and community health centers. The plan also continues to require masking for interstate travel and on federal property.

5. Protecting Our Economic recovery: The President announced several programs that will help ensure the U.S. economy continues to grow, including an expansion of the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program so small businesses can borrow up to $2 million to keep their businesses strong.

6. Improving Care for Those with COVID-19: The Administration is strengthening its surge response, with nearly 1,000 personnel already deployed across 18 states and the Department of Defense doubling the number of their teams deployed to support hospitals. The Administration is also increasing the weekly pace of monoclonal antibody shipments.

“I am thankful that we have a President that is keeping his commitment to the American people that he’d do everything in his power to defeat the virus. I am very concerned about my fellow Virgin Islanders however, as recent reports show that the U.S. Virgin Islands has the lowest vaccination rate in the United States and therefore, we now have the highest rate of infection per day, per capita in the United States.

“Why my people cannot see the correlation between the two statistics and how these unfortunate realities are not just hindering our children’s ability to learn and our long-term health outcomes, but also causing actual death is beyond me. Vaccination is not about your personal right to choose. When we make the choice to live with others in a community, in a society with rules and norms, we must make decisions that support the entire community – vaccination is such a choice.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3893,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON DELAYED LETTER MAIL IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS,2021-09-03,2021,2021-09,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: Michael J. McQuerry

September 3, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON DELAYED LETTER MAIL IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

St. Croix, USVI - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the recent delay on inbound letter mail to the Virgin Islands:

“According to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) regional office in Puerto Rico, between the dates of Friday, August 20 and Friday, August 27, there was a suspension of inbound and outbound mail processing operations for the Virgin Islands at the San Juan, PR facility due to structural issues at the processing center. As a result, there was no letter mail delivered to our territory for a week. My office was not made aware of this issue until my team in the Virgin Islands noted the issue and local constituents reached out with their concerns about not receiving mail. Additionally, I am very concerned that neither the local constituency nor the Virgin Islands USPS employees were advised of this issue until days after the suspension of mail processing at the San Juan facility. This is entirely unacceptable and is a clear reminder of a continually occurring, systemic issue that we have in receiving mail from Puerto Rico—fundamentally it is unreliable.

“Based on the most recent USPS update regarding Virgin Islands mail processing, my office has been informed that until the San Juan processing center is operational, the mail processing operations for Virgin Islands in-bound letter mail from the Continental US, Alaska and Hawaii has been moved to the New York Morgan Station and the processing for out-bound letter mail for all destinations domestic and international has been moved to the Memphis, Tennessee processing center. Additionally, please note that according to the USPS regional office, large packages and inter-island mail processing and delivery for the Virgin Islands have not been impacted.

“I have been in conversations with the Vice President of Retail & Delivery Operations, Southern Area of the U.S. Postal Service and USPS leadership at the regional level to address the immediate problem, what effective solutions can be employed to resolve this issue moving forward, as well as the ongoing issues with the U.S. Postal Service in the Virgin Islands.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3892,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT HOSTS PANEL OF MEDICAL EXPERTS TO DISCUSS COVID-19 VACCINE ON WTJX-TV,2021-08-31,2021,2021-08,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: Michael J. McQuerry

August 31, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT HOSTS PANEL OF MEDICAL EXPERTS TO DISCUSS COVID-19 VACCINE ON WTJX-TV

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on her upcoming episode of the Washington Report where she addresses common concerns surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has completely upended our lives as we know it, caused millions of deaths worldwide and continues to wreak havoc on our communities. The development and availability of the vaccine has the potential to help us to return to normal and prevent further mutations of the virus. Yet, there is widespread concern about the COVID-19 vaccine and many of us continue to question the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety. Additionally, the vaccination rate in the Virgin Islands is one of the lowest in the nation.

“In this episode of the Washington Report, we address common concerns and questions regarding the COVID vaccine. I’ll be joined by an amazing panel of medical experts, including our very own Dr. Marcella Nuñez-Smith from St. Thomas who is presently serving as the Senior Advisor to the White House COVID-19 Response Team and Chair of the Presidential COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force, Dr. Alric Simmonds Jr. of St. Croix who is the Medical Director of a medical facility in Orlando, FL and is a board-certified surgeon, along with Dr. Aisha Langford, a behavioral scientist who was an active part of the clinical trials of the COVID vaccine.

“You can catch this special edition of the Washington Report on WTJX-TV this Thursday, September 2nd at 8pm. The episode will also be available via WTJX’s Facebook page by using this link: https://www.facebook.com/wtjx.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3891,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS PRAYERS AND SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA IN WAKE OF DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE IDA,2021-08-30,2021,2021-08,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: Michael J. McQuerry

August 30, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS PRAYERS AND SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA IN WAKE OF DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE IDA

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement regarding the damage left in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana by Hurricane and Tropical Storm Ida:

“My heart and prayers are with the people of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana as they deal with the effects of now-Tropical Storm Ida. Ida made landfall as one of the most powerful storms to hit the U.S. and is responsible for the death of one person so far, along with a million plus power outages across the entirety of New Orleans, in other parts of the state in some parts of Mississippi. While it is cruelly ironic that Ida made landfall on the same date that Hurricane Katrina hit the states of Louisiana and Mississippi 16 years ago, it is imperative that we do not allow our brothers and sisters in these great states to suffer for months on end the way they did then. I think of the families and communities represented by my former colleague, Congressman Cedric Richmond and my Republican colleague, Garrett Graves.

“I continue to remain prayerful for the search and rescue teams, the first responders, the utility crews as well as the Mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell as they seek to rebuild and put their lives back together after the damage caused by Ida. I and my team are available to support and assist in way we can.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3890,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT AND GOVERNOR BRYAN MEET WITH LEADERSHIP IN CONGRESS TO DISCUSS INITIATIVES CRITICAL TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS,2021-08-26,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“I returned back to our Nation’s Capital to join my colleagues to support legislation for transformative benefits for working families, advance President Biden’s Historic Agenda and for meetings important to the Virgin Islands with House Leadership with Governor Bryan,” stated Congresswoman Plaskett

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a Member of the House Ways and Means, Agriculture and Budget Committees, was pleased to host Governor Albert Bryan as he met with Congressional leadership to amplify and speak on behalf of his administration on a number of initiatives critical to positioning the Virgin Islands for forward progress within the next few years. Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement:

“This week my office was happy to host Governor Albert Bryan and his Washington team in important meetings with the office of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Majority Whip James Clyburn, representatives from the House Committee on Appropriations, the House Committee Ways and Means, along with the U.S. Departments of Treasury and Interior to discuss a number of legislative initiatives critical to creating additional reoccurring revenue streams for the Virgin Islands as Congress works on President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan through the Budget Reconciliation process.

“As the only person representing the Virgin Islands in Congress I remain staunch in my commitment to mobilizing Congress and the White House to support the U.S. Virgin Islands’ position on long-term, permanent fixes for the GILTI tax, federal highway funding, permanent expansion and reimbursement of the Child Tax Credit, and a solution for Medicaid and the Supplemental Security Income issue, among other things. We believe that several of these matters can be taken up as Congress works over the summer on the content of President Biden’s American Family Plan through the Budget Reconciliation bill.

“Also while in Washington, DC I stood with my colleagues to advance President Biden’s historic Build Back Better agenda, which will deliver life-changing benefits for working families in the Virgin Islands and across the nation. With yesterday’s passage, the House took a key step required in order to move forward on writing and passing the forthcoming Build Back Better Act, which will include overwhelmingly popular initiatives to create more jobs, cut taxes for families and lower health care costs – and do so by making the wealthiest and big corporations pay their fair share. The President’s Build Back Better Act represents the greatest progress for Virgin Island families in 50 years. With transformative initiatives like child care, paid leave, tax cuts for families, climate action and more, the Congress is taking bold action to invest in our families, our economy and our children’s future. The important step the House took this week kicks off the process of crafting this historic legislation, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure this bill meets the needs of Virgin Islanders.

“I have been working on finding fixes to the issues discussed by Governor Bryan with House Leadership members and staff and I am grateful that his agreement on those issues really supported and amplified their importance to our local economy with those individuals he met with.

“As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I will be involved in the actual drafting, mark up and yes, voting in the Committee on what the actual Build Back Better Act will contain. Members of Ways and Means have been informed that our return date will be weeks before other members as we work on the historic, transformational legislation. Having the Governor’s agreement on initiatives that I have spoken about with my colleagues here in Washington gives our priorities additional support and elevation.

“As the Virgin Islands begins to emerge from the pandemic and economic crisis, it is essential that we not just return to how things were before – we need to Build Back Better. That is why Democrats in Congress are seizing this once-in-a-generation opportunity with both the Build Back Better Act and the bipartisan infrastructure deal. I am proud to stand in a position to be one of the drafters and negotiators on the legislation. As over 400 other Members of Congress vie to get their districts’ priorities in the legislation I ask that you pray for me and my staff that we continue to have God’s grace and favor as we work to make sure the Virgin Islands and other territories are treated equitably and have an opportunity to use this legislation to advance much needed areas within the scope of the Budget Reconciliation process. Democrats remain committed to the goal of enacting this legislation, along with the bipartisan infrastructure bill, by October 1st.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3878,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT LEADS LETTER TO DEPARTMENT OF STATE SECRETARY REQUESTING HELP FOR NATION OF HAITI,2021-08-16,2021,2021-08,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 regarding her letter to U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken:

“The nation of Haiti is in a time of absolute crisis. Throughout the past year, this country has faced a number of disastrous events. From the assassination to President Moïse in July, which further exacerbated the already tenuous civil unrest in the country, the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic and the lack of medical resources and personnel, to a catastrophic earthquake that has claimed over a thousand lives to date and counting.

“I, along with my colleagues and other members of Congress, Ayanna Pressley, Barbara Lee, Maxine Waters and Yvette Clark recognize that the needs of our Haitian brothers and sisters are enormous and range from coordinating search-and-rescue missions, caring for the injured, providing food and water, to offering psychological support as well as helping make preparations for the imminent arrival of Tropical Storm Grace. President Biden and his administration have taken significant steps to provide support to Haiti by putting Samantha Power’s team at USAID in charge of the mission. I am grateful that this team is already on the ground. In the coming days, USAID’s engagement with civil society and their communication with members of Congress will provide valuable details about the resources needed and what we can do to help.

“It is imperative that we extend the humanitarian aid that I know we are able to provide for the nation of Haiti at this time. It is my fervent hope that Secretary Blinken and his team will respond favorably to our request for immediate aid and assistance to Haiti.”

Letter with signatures available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3877,PLASKETT AND MEMBERS REPRESENTING U.S. TERRITORIES SEND LETTER REQUESTING MEETING WITH PRESIDENT BIDEN ON U.S. TERRITORIES,2021-08-04,2021,2021-08,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, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding a letter she sent to the President requesting a meeting with all the territorial Members of Congress:

“Recently, I along with the other Members of Congress representing the U.S. territories sent a letter to President Biden to request a meeting to discuss issues facing the U.S. territories. Those issues include lack of equal access to federal safety net programs such as SSI and Medicaid, and climate change.

“We continue to exclude Americans living in U.S. Territories from legal protections equal to their fellow Americans living in the several States and the District of Columbia.

“As Members of Congress who represent these U.S. territories, we are looking forward to partnering with the administration and working with Secretaries Xavier Becerra, Deb Haaland, and other administration officials to achieve equitable federal rights and benefits for all Americans, wherever they live.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3876,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN FEMA GRANTS FOR TWO V.I. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES,2021-07-29,2021,2021-07,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: Michael J. McQuerry

July 29, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN FEMA GRANTS FOR TWO V.I. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement regarding millions of dollars in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for numerous local government agencies including the V.I. Water and Power Authority (WAPA) and the V.I. Housing Authority (VIHA).

“I am very pleased to announce that FEMA is releasing the following funding to various local government agencies:

WAPA - $10 million for state management costs to include both direct and indirect administrative expenses

V.I. Housing Authority (VIHA) - $1 million for permanent repairs to the HH Bergs Homes Community Homes, Community Center and Basketball Courts on St. Thomas, needed as a direct result of Hurricane Maria

“As 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 restore our facilities and infrastructure back to pre-disaster design, function, and capacity. I am hopeful that these grants will be utilized to help further the rebuilding and hardening of the infrastructure in our territory.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3875,PLASKETT AND KELLY LEAD CBC LETTER TO HHS SECRETARY URGING A FOCUS ON SICKLE CELL DISEASE TREATMENT,2021-07-28,2021,2021-07,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, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding a letter she led to Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra regarding Sickle cell disease:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is among the most common inherited blood disorders. It is a lifelong illness that affects millions of people throughout the world and is particularly common among those whose ancestors came from Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and Central America. It is estimated that nearly 5% of the world's population are carriers for the trait gene. More than 20 million people worldwide suffer from SCD with more than another 300,000 births globally each year. About 100,000 Americans live with SCD. African Americans are the group most often affected by the disease – with one out of 365 Americans of African ancestry born with SCD.

“Recently, my office along with the office of Congresswoman Robin Kelly and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra to encourage a multi-stakeholder dialogue regarding access to sickle cell disease treatment. Access to medicines for SCD is anything but guaranteed for the patients who would benefit most from them,” stated Congresswoman Plaskett. “At present, our health care system is poorly equipped to ensure that patients will have meaningful access to these therapies upon their approval, particularly if they are in the same price range as other gene therapies. The gaps are most glaring within the Medicaid system, but exist for Medicare beneficiaries and patients enrolled in private coverage as well. We believe the federal government has an essential role to play, working with state Medicaid programs and the broader health care community, to proactively address these barriers.”

“The lack of access to Sickle Cell treatment is yet another painful example of the legacy of systemic racism in our medical system,” stated Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “We must expand Medicaid and Medicare coverage to allow patients to access treatment and therapies to address chronic conditions. As co-chair of the Congressional Sickle Cell Caucus, I’m proud to join my Congressional Black Caucus colleagues in calling for equitable care.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3874,STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT REGARDING CANEEL BAY,2021-07-27,2021,2021-07,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, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee released the following statement regarding the Caneel Bay Resort on St. John:

“I am pleased to announce the Department of the Interior has made the decision to move forward with an open-bidding process for the Caneel Bay Resort. We are grateful that the National Park Service has agreed to begin the Request for Qualification before the RUE currently held by CBI Acquisitions, LLC is scheduled to expire. This decision comes as a result of multiple meetings between my office and the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior and stakeholders. Absolutely key to this decision has been the work of the residents of St. John through public meetings, constructively working together and advocacy to the National Park Service. From the transition of the Biden Administration, the Department of Interior’s leadership has stated that it wanted to work with the people of the Virgin Islands to do what is best for all.

“I am hopeful this open-bidding process will be just that - open and transparent. This important process provides a path forward for the Caneel Bay Resort with public involvement and engagement to ensure the voices of Saint John are heard. The National Park Service will conclude its Environmental Site Assessment and put out a Request for Qualifications followed by a Request for Proposals. Although this is not an instantaneous process, it provides a path forward for Caneel Bay that considers the socioeconomic and environmental impacts on Saint John.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3873,"CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $545,000GRANT FOR THE VILLAGE VIRGIN ISLANDS PARTNERS IN RECOVERY",2021-07-26,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $545,000 GRANT FOR THE VILLAGE VIRGIN ISLANDS PARTNERS IN RECOVERY

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after announcing a $545,000.00 grant for the Village Virgin Islands Partners in Recovery:

“Today, I am pleased to announce a grant for $545,000.00 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Village Virgin Islands Partners in Recovery. The Village - Virgin Islands Partners In Recovery has been serving the residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands for over 15 years. Although predominantly based on the island of St. Croix, the program reaches out to the residents of St. Thomas, St. John, and other Caribbean neighbors. The Village-Virgin Islands became part of the WestCare family in 2003. The program is funded primarily by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

“The Village - Virgin Islands is located on the historic grounds of Sion Hill Farms, a sugar mill once operated by slave labor in the 1700's. The site provides a home to residential care for persons faced with the challenges of overcoming their addictions. The Village - Virgin Islands at Sion Hill hosts distinct programs especially tailored for adult males/females and a family program that includes mothers/fathers with their children. Individuals referred to the Village are taught the skills they need to return to family, friends and employment and to cope with life without a return to addiction.

“The Village - Virgin Islands at Sion Hill offers the following services:

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment

Individual & Group Counseling

Male/Female Specific Support Groups

Relapse Prevention Education

Substance Abuse Education & Prevention

Educational/Vocational Counseling

Family Education

Parenting Skills and education

Children's Services

HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis prevention and education services

Women's Aftercare Program

“This grant will help increase services needed by hard-hit populations due to the pandemic.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3826,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1.7M GRANT FOR V.I. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,2021-07-01,2021,2021-07,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: Michael J. McQuerry

July 1, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1.7M GRANT FOR V.I. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement with regard to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) awarding the Virgin Islands Department of Health with $1,726,970:

“I want to thank U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the CDC for granting $1.7 million to our local VI Department of Health for the purpose of helping deploy immunizations and vaccines for our children. As we continue to battle the effects of the pandemic on our community, more than ever we need to ensure that our children are safe. This funding will allow for increased and more equitable access to immunizations and vaccines by our children.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3824,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON LIMETREE REFINERY ANNOUNCEMENT TO SUSPEND PLANS TO RESTART REFINERY OPERATIONS,2021-06-29,2021,2021-06,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT

STATEMENT ON LIMETREE REFINERY ANNOUNCEMENT TO SUSPEND PLANS TO RESTART REFINERY OPERATIONS

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Budget Committee and Committee on Agriculture, released the following statement regarding the announcement of Limetree Bay Refinery (LBR) to suspend plans to restart refinery operations and the implications of this action:

“Over the past month and a half, I have been engaged in discussions with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Limetree Bay Refining, community stakeholders and the governor’s office. The announcement by Limetree to suspend refinery operations have once again brought the island of St. Croix, specifically, and the people of the Virgin Islands in general to a place of reckoning. What is the economic foundation of St. Croix? How do we balance the needs of our residents, the environment, our workforce and our businesses?

“I am grateful that Governor Bryan has engaged the local Department of Labor to support the immediate job loss and that his administration has put together a 20-year economic development strategy that works on the diversification of our private sector – particularly the marine industry and small businesses. The suspension of the refinery reminds us, however, that any response must be ‘whole of government’ - meaning at the local and federal level. For example, locally, while the Department of Labor supports those individuals out of work, the Economic Development Authority must engage the local businesses which will inevitably lose contracts and other forms of business as a result of the refinery’s closure. Additionally, while the Department of Planning and Natural Resources works aggressively to ensure monitoring of emissions, water quality and other environmental concerns are met, our Department of Health and healthcare sector must continue to support and investigate any health concerns or public health issues that may have resulted from plant activity. At the federal level, I invite and urge Governor Bryan and the local legislature to work with me to collectively pressure the EPA to not just regulate and enforce environmental laws but to, as their mission mandates, assist in stewardship and revitalization of contaminated areas. We must also press the Biden Administration to demonstrate their commitment to renewable energy and equitable wealth creation by engaging the Department of Defense, Department of Energy along with the Department of Commerce and the White House Economic Council to partner and invest in OUR community as we reimagine St. Croix.

“In the coming weeks, my office will reach out and meet with stakeholder groups, individuals and government agencies and work to support the community and rebuilding our future.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3825,"CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $441,625 IN FUNDING FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN SUPPORT OF HIV PREVENTION PROGRAMS",2021-06-28,2021,2021-06,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: Michael J. McQuerry

June 28, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $441,625 IN FUNDING FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN SUPPORT OF HIV PREVENTION PROGRAMS

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement with regard to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarding Frederiksted Health Care Inc. on St. Croix a $441,625.00 grant for the development of comprehensive, high-impact HIV Prevention Programs

“I want to thank the CDC for this infusion of $441,625.00 to Frederiksted Health Care Inc. Community-Based Organizations like Frederiksted Health Care play a crucial role not just in providing non-discriminatory and accessible healthcare in our community, but also in supporting public health awareness and information in our territory. This funding will help FHC with the implementation of comprehensive HIV-prevention programs to reduce morbidity, mortality and related health disparities in accordance with the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative.

“It is my hope that this funding will help the Frederiksted Health Center address the HIV concerns we have in our territory by helping to reduce new infections, increase access to care and promote health equity.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3822,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1.4 MILLION GRANT FOR THE V.I. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS FROM FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA),2021-06-22,2021,2021-06,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: Michael J. McQuerry

June 22, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1.4 MILLION GRANT FOR THE V.I. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS FROM FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement announcing a $1.4 million grant from U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the V.I. Department of Public Works (DPW) on St. John:

“I am happy to announce that FEMA has awarded a grant totaling $1,458,902.75. This much needed funding will go toward permanent repairs to roadways and other infrastructures under the V.I. Department of Public Works (DPW) jurisdiction on St. John that happened as a direct result of Hurricane Maria.”

“We must be prepared and continue to build our resiliency against disaster. The funding provided by FEMA will provide DPW with the resources they need to help fulfill their mission in the event of future emergencies.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3823,PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD)’S RECENT ACTION TO RELEASE LONG-AWAITED DISASTER RECOVERY FUNDS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS,2021-06-22,2021,2021-06,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: Michael J. McQuerry

June 22, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD)’S RECENT ACTION TO RELEASE LONG-AWAITED DISASTER RECOVERY FUNDS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s recent action to release long-awaited disaster recovery funds for the Virgin Islands:

“I am pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is taking additional steps to release much needed, long-awaited funding for our disaster recovery efforts in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. My former colleague and current Secretary of HUD, Marcia Fudge acknowledged the tremendous importance of this funding, recognizing that HUD’s opening the door to this $2 billion in funding gives us the ability to improve the reliability and resilience, the hardening of our electrical systems in order to promote environmental equity and to both withstand the impacts of climate change and contribute less to its causes.

“As we know, Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused significant damage to the electrical grid in the Virgin Islands in 2017 that required months of repairs in order to restore power. The release of these funds for electrical power system improvements provides an opportunity for our territory to execute the needed strategic, high-impact activities to address necessary expenses and mitigate disaster risks to our electrical power systems; improve system reliability, resiliency, efficiency, and sustainability; and address each system’s long-term financial viability.

“I and my team are committed to work along with HUD and the appropriate local agencies to ensure the continued progress to addressing our long-standing energy issues and work to improve our system’s reliability, efficiency and sustainability as well as its financial viability.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3805,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO GRANTS FOR THE V.I. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FOR HEADSTART DISASTER ASSISTANCE,2021-06-08,2021,2021-06,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: Michael J. McQuerry

June 8, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES TWO GRANTS FOR THE V.I. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FOR HEADSTART DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement announcing two grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the VI Department of Human Services:

“I am happy to announce that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded two grants totaling $3,764,132 for the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services to be used for Head Start Program Disaster Assistance.

“Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families and provides our children with the educational foundation that is crucial for children ages five and under. For our children to succeed regardless of their socio-economic status we must ensure that they and their families have access to resources that will enable them to do so. Disaster assistance funding for Head Start aids in ensuring that these programs in our territory will be able to continue operations despite natural disasters.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3803,STATEMENT BY CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ON GLOBAL VACCINE DISTRIBUTION,2021-06-03,2021,2021-06,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, a member of the Ways and Means Committees, released the following statement on the announcement today of a global vaccine distribution:

“As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Caribbean and a member of the House Haiti Caucus, I applaud President Biden and his administration for answering our calls to introduce a competent global vaccination plan to support our neighbors — particularly Caribbean nations — who have been some of the hardest hit by the devastating effect of COVID-19. As long as this pandemic is raging anywhere in the world, we are all still vulnerable. I am proud the United States is committed to bringing the same urgency to international vaccination efforts that we have demonstrated right here at home. The allocation of approximately 6 million doses to the Caribbean and Latin America is a poignant step in the right direction that will dramatically stem the tide of COVID’s deadly progression in the region.

“Recently my office spearheaded a letter to Secretary of State Blinken highlighting the need for these vaccines in the Caribbean and other parts of the world.

“These vaccines are being shared to save lives and to lead the world in bringing an end to the pandemic and with the power of our example and with our values. And we will continue to follow the science and to work in close cooperation with our democratic partners to coordinate a multilateral effort. Strong American leadership is essential to ending this pandemic now, and to strengthening global health security for tomorrow—to better prevent, detect, and respond to the next threat.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3804,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION FEMA GRANT FOR THE V.I. WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY IN ST JOHN,2021-06-03,2021,2021-06,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding $1,066,500.00 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) for electrical distribution repairs on St. John:

“Today, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant of $1,066,500.00 is federal funding to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) for electrical distribution repairs on St. John.

“Hurricane Maria made landfall bringing hurricane force winds and heavy rains, causing catastrophic damages to the U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. John. As a result, WAPA suffered damages to the electrical distribution system and infrastructure on St. John. Approximately 90% of overhead power distribution was damaged, resulting in numerous outages to commercial and residential customers. In response, WAPA will use force account labor, equipment, and material and contractor services to restore the facilities to pre-disaster design, capacity, and function.

“This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands, particularly St. John, tremendously in our ongoing rebuilding efforts. The United States government has an obligation to work with our territory to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help rebuild our islands.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3797,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES SEVEN IMPORTANT GRANTS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS,2021-05-24,2021,2021-05,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, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement announcing seven grants totaling $16,315,508.90 recently awarded to the VI Department of Public Works:

“I am pleased to announce that the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (VIDPW) has received seven grants totaling $16,315,508.90. The grants awarded are as follows:

“$2,810,250.88 in federal funding to the VIDPW for roadway repairs damaged as a direct result of Hurricane Maria. This funding is authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. The island suffered damages to portions of five (5) gravel roads in the Mt. Pleasant West community. In response to the event, VIDPW will utilize contract labor services to repair the roads to their pre-disaster design, function, and capacity within the existing footprint per VI DPW roadway standards.

“$5,146,952.42 in federal funding to the VIDPW for repairs to Water Island roadways and other infrastructure damaged. This funding is authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. Water Island suffered damages to five (5) roads, a parking lot, and a commuter dock and ramp. There is a Hazard Mitigation Proposal (HMP) to strengthen pavement by replacing the gravel pavement with asphalt pavement, adding geotextile fabric between the aggregate base and subbase, improving stormwater drainage by adding curbs and gutters, or paved waterways to control stormwater run-off to prevent future similar damages. The mitigation measures will control and slow the flow of water run-off to lessen the erosive forces and improve the drainage of the roadbed to reduce moisture content. The mitigation measures will also allow for greater groundwater infiltration and reduce non-point source pollutants.

“$1,328,836.35 in federal funding to the VIDPW for permanent repairs to roadways and other infrastructure under their jurisdiction on St. Croix. This funding is authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. VIDPW suffered damages to four (4) sites along a roadway (facility) in the La Grange Watershed. The VIDPW will utilize contract services for repairs per VIDPW roadway standards. This project captures additional funding for a Hazard Mitigation Proposal (HMP) to prevent future similar damages by strengthening the pavement structure in areas that would be most prone to having saturated subgrades or in high erosion locations. This would allow pavement in areas of saturated subgrade better to resist damage from heavy truck traffic or resist erosion in areas prone to it. The second proposed mitigation measure is to manage stormwater by improving stormwater drainage to lessen the damaging effect of saturated subgrades and run-off erosive forces. These efforts are applied on a watershed wide basis to both damaged and undamaged elements. The proposed pavement strengthening mitigation actions are to add geotextile under asphalt pavement between the aggregate base course and subbase. The proposed drainage mitigation actions include: grade roadsides to drain or add water bar, add concrete low water crossing, add curb and gutter, or paved waterways, construct new or enlarge existing drainage swales, add stone check dams, increase the size of existing culverts, and add new culverts.

“$1,111,414.17 in federal funding to the VIDPW for repairs to roadways and infrastructure on St. Croix Island. This funding is authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. The VIDPW sustained damages to the roadways in the Williams Delight Subdivision. VIDPW will utilize contract labor services and (or) force account labor to restore the facilities to their pre-disaster design, capacity, and function per VI DPW roadway standards. Six (6) roads (sites) sustained damages to sections of the roadway components for a total 100 cubic yards (CY) of asphalt surface, and 133 CY of aggregate base. Damages also include 30 signposts, 17 double street signs, 13 stop and single street signs. This project captures additional funding for a Hazard Mitigation Proposal (HMP) to prevent future similar damages by strengthening the pavement structure in areas that would be most prone to having saturated subgrades or in high erosion locations by replacing the gravel pavement with asphalt pavement, or adding geotextile fabric between the aggregate base and subbase material, increasing the size of existing culverts, and adding new culverts to improve stormwater drainage.

“$1,763,006.81 in federal funding to the VIDPW/St Thomas. This funding is authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. VIDPW sustained damage to three (3) sites on Seaview Road. This created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public. In response to the event, the VIDPW will utilize contracts for repairs to the segments of the Frenchman Bay Watershed to restore this facility back to its pre-disaster function and capacity within the existing footprint. To reduce or eliminate future damages, the VIDPW proposed to: Site 2, 3 and 4 - add curb and gutter to uphill side of new roadways; add clearing and grubbing; add roadway excavation; add aggregate base; add temporary traffic control, flagger. Additional mitigation measures include, Site 2 - replacement of embankment with rip rap revetment; remove backfill, select granular; add separation-stabilization geotextile; add placed rip rap; add aggregate base as bedding stone.

“$1,681,743.68 in federal funding to the VIDPW on St. Croix Island for repairs to roadways and infrastructure. This funding is authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. VIDPW sustained damages to the Hovensa Watershed. This project was written to capture the storm-related Damage Description and Dimension (DDD), Scope of work (SOW), and Cost to repair the facilities to their pre-disaster design, capacity, and function (in-kind) within the existing footprint and per VIDPW roadway standards. Five (5) roads, sustained storm-related damages to 12 sections (sites) of the roadway. Damage includes 176 cubic yards (CY) of asphalt surface, 80 CY of crushed stone base material, and 5 stop signs with posts. FEMA generated a Cost Estimate Format (CEF) calculation using VIDPW provided historical cost data. This project captures additional funding for a Hazard Mitigation Proposal (HMP) to prevent future similar damages by strengthening the pavement structure in areas that would be most prone to having saturated subgrades or in high erosion locations by adding geotextile material between the aggregate base course and subbase material, enlarge culverts, and add paved waterways. The mitigation measure would allow pavement in saturated subgrade areas to better resist heavy truck traffic damage better or resist erosion in areas prone to it.

“$2,473,304.62 in federal funding to the VIDPW for repairs to damaged roadways. This funding is authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. St. Croix suffered damages to five (5) roadways (facilities) in the Williams Delight neighborhood. The facilities suffered similar damages to multiple sections of 3 inch (IN) deep asphalt road surfaces and 4 IN deep aggregate base material. VIDPW will utilize contract labor services to restore the facilities to their pre-disaster design, capacity, and function per VI DPW roadway standards. The Hazard Mitigation Proposal (HMP) measure adds geotextile material between the aggregate base and subbase for stability and enlarging the culvert from a 36-inch P-1 to 48-inch reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) to improve drainage.”

###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-06-28T00:48:43Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3799,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES IMPORTANT GRANTS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,2021-05-24,2021,2021-05,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, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement announcing an important $2,441,666.67 grant for VI Department of Health:

“I am pleased to announce that the Virgin Islands Department of Health will receive a $2,441.666.67 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. During the incident period, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public, requiring emergency response and protective measures throughout the territories of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI).

“In response to the event, the V.I. Department of Health/St Croix conducted emergency protective measures by contracting with Pafford Medical Services to augment the overburdened Health Department and Emergency Medical Services division, by providing ambulances, equipment, and supplies to the USVI healthcare facilities, to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The applicant also contracted staff to support the high demand for needed personnel due to the increased population being affected with COVID-19.

“An Emergency Medical Services Task Force allowed the Department of Health to care for patients outside of the hospital setting, for focused utilization of the hospital beds and ventilators for COVID-19 patients, and allowed the applicant to provide care to their other patients within the territory, instead of flying patients to healthcare facilities elsewhere.”

###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-06-28T00:48:43Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3800,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES IMPORTANT GRANTS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN COMMEMORATION OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH,2021-05-24,2021,2021-05,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, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement announcing two important grants for VI Department of Health as we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month:

“Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, my office joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year my office works in order to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.

“Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background. However, background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 2008 to start changing this. Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition.

“I am pleased two announce that the Virgin Islands Department of Health will receive a $1,000,000.00 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Community Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) program enables the Virgin Islands to provide comprehensive community mental health services and address needs and gaps in existing treatment services for those with serious mental illness. The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program (SABG) program allows the Virgin Islands to plan, implement and evaluate activities to prevent, treat and help more people recover from substance use disorder. This funding will also allow recipients to make investments in existing prevention, treatment and recovery infrastructure, promote support for providers and address unique local needs to deliver substance use disorder services.

“Taking on the challenges of mental health conditions, health coverage and the stigma of mental illness requires all of us. In many communities, these problems are increased by less access to care, cultural stigma and lower quality care. These grants will help alleviate those situations.”

###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-06-28T00:48:43Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3794,"CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $273,160 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES GRANT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS",2021-05-21,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

May 21, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $273,160 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES GRANT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement announcing a $273,160 grant for the University of the Virgin Islands:

“I am happy to announce that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a grant of $273,160 for the University of the Virgin Islands. The grant will help with the developing a culture of Biomedical Research at the University. The type of award is a high impact research and research infrastructure cooperative agreement program award.”

###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-06-28T00:48:43Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3795,"CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $760,742 IN FUNDING FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS RESPONSE",2021-05-21,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

May 21, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $760,742 IN FUNDING FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS RESPONSE

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement with regard to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarding the Virgin Islands a $760,742.00 grant for its Public Health Crisis Response:

“I want to thank the CDC for this infusion of $760,742.00 to the Virgin Islands Department of Health for its Public Health Crisis Response. Departments like the VIDOH play a crucial role in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters of all kinds.

“This grant will help with initiating the public health response during the first 24 hours (i.e., the acute phase) of an emergency or disaster and help with coordinating with the existing emergency response structures in specific types of incidents, such as floods, earthquakes, and acts of terrorism.

“I look forward to working with the federal government and our local government to ensure that the residents of the Virgin Islands are safe and all funds like this grant are utilized to the best of their abilities.”

###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-06-28T00:48:43Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3796,PLASKETT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE MEDICAID AND MEDICARE IN U.S. TERRITORIES,2021-05-21,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

May 21, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

PLASKETT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE MEDICAID AND MEDICARE IN U.S. TERRITORIES

WASHINGTON, DC —Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, yesterday introduced legislation aimed at providing equitable treatment for U.S. territories in federal health care programs like Medicaid and Medicare, the Territories Health Equity Act of 2021 (H.R.3434). The Congresswoman released the following statement:

The Territories Health Equity Act of 2021 would address existing inequalities the territories face under Medicaid, Medicare, and other federal health programs. Importantly, regarding Medicaid, it will provide them with their equitable share of federal funding for Medicaid beyond the upcoming “fiscal cliff” when much of the existing funding for the territories is scheduled to expire at the end of September, 2021. Original co-sponsors of the bill include Reps. González-Colón, Radewagen, Sablan, San Nicolas, Soto, Velázquez, Grijalva, Pressley, Clarke, and Torres of New York.

“People in the territories should have just as much access to health care as anyone else. In the midst of global pandemic, with more federal attention on how health care funding disparities have had a deleterious impact on the finances of local governments and hospitals in the territories, we believe that this is an opportune time to press for equity in Medicaid and Medicare,” stated Congresswoman Plaskett. “The inequities in federal funding provided to the territories for Medicaid and Medicare has put access to affordable health care out of reach for too many Virgin Islanders, making our hospitals’ emergency rooms the primary health care provider for the one-third of our population without health insurance, which contributes to unmanageable costs in uncompensated care.”

“Millions of Puerto Ricans depend on Medicare and Medicaid programs to cover their healthcare needs. Our territorial status doesn’t allow beneficiaries to have access to the same programs and benefits and our healthcare providers to receive the same pay as those living stateside,” stated Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon. “This bill is necessary to correct these inequities and improve the wellbeing of people in all five U.S. territories, while also eliminating the ‘Medicaid cliff’ that burdens the healthcare and government sectors.”

“Working together, the territories have made important strides forward in ensuring Medicaid availability in recent years,” stated Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen, “but we need to continue that progress to gain the full parity with Medicaid and other benefit programs that our people deserve.”

“The Territories Health Equity Act will correct long standing health inequities in the U.S. insular areas that are only made worse by chronic underfunding,” stated Congressman Gregorio Sablan. “I thank Delegate Plaskett for incorporating the text of my bill, H.R. 265, which would avert the fiscal crisis Medicaid programs in our jurisdictions face when supplemental Medicaid funding ends in September.”

""Healthcare equity for our Territories is fundamental to the premise that all Americans, regardless of where they live in this country, should be afforded full federal support,” stated Congressman Michael F.Q. San Nicolas. “If we are to further believe that healthcare is a right and not a privilege, then surely the support of full Medicaid inclusion for those without privilege must be made right.""

“American citizens living in U.S. territories deserve the same access to healthcare as those living in the mainland,” stated Congressman Darren Soto. “The current system puts a strain on the territories’ Medicaid programs, like in Puerto Rico, during a time when they need more support than ever. Our bipartisan bill will eliminate unfair Medicaid funding limits for U.S. territories and make it easier for individuals to receive necessary coverage.”

“Healthcare is a human right, and the equitable distribution of that healthcare must be at the forefront of our legislative priorities on the mainland, and throughout U.S. Wherever and whenever an opportunity exists to overcome these inequities, to protect and preserve an individual’s right to quality healthcare, we must seize it,” stated Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. “I am proud to stand alongside Rep. Plaskett as she reintroduces this critically important legislation because let me be very clear, citizens of U.S. territories are Americans, and they deserve to be treated as such. Full stop.”

Among other things, the bill:

· eliminates Medicaid funding limits for U.S. territories, beginning FY2022;

· improves Medicare reimbursements to hospitals in U.S. territories;

· permits Medicaid and Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments to U.S. territories;

· allows residents of U.S. territories to be eligible for low-income subsidies under the Medicare prescription drug benefit; and

· allows residents of U.S. territories who are unable to obtain health insurance through their employer or a health insurance exchange to instead access marketplace insurance coverage that is available to Members of Congress and congressional staff.

###

Section by Section",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-06-28T00:48:43Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3793,ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF HEAD START CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES IMPORTANT GRANT FOR THE PROGRAM,2021-05-17,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“This vital program provides many children from low income families with the educational foundation that is crucial for children ages five and under,” stated Congresswoman Plaskett

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement announcing a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the VI Department of Human Services:

“Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. Services are provided in a variety of settings including centers, family childcare, and children’s own home. Head Start programs also engage parents or other key family members in positive relationships, with a focus on family well-being. Parents participate in leadership roles, including having a say in program operations.

""The Head Start program began as an eight-week demonstration project designed to help break the cycle of poverty. It provided preschool children from low-income families with a comprehensive program to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional, and educational needs. A key tenet of the program established that it be culturally responsive to the communities served, and that the communities have an investment in its success through the contribution of volunteer hours and other donations as non-federal share.

""The Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS, the regulations governing Head Start programs, were originally published in 1975. In 1995, the first Early Head Start grants were awarded to serve low-income pregnant women and children ages birth to 3. In 1998, the Head Start program was reauthorized to expand to full-day and full-year services. The Head Start program, to include Early Head Start, was most recently reauthorized in 2007 with bipartisan support.

“This grant of $40,000 provides the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services with disaster assistance for the Head Start program. This vital program provides many children from low income families with the educational foundation that is crucial for children ages five and under. In order for our children to succeed regardless of their socio-economic status we must ensure that they and their families have access to resources that will enable them to do so. Disaster assistance funding for Head Start aids in ensuring that the program will be able to continue operations despite natural disasters.”

###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-06-28T00:48:43Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3792,PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON EPA DECISION TO PAUSE LIMETREE BAY REFINERY OPERATIONS,2021-05-14,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

May 14, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT ON EPA DECISION TO PAUSE LIMETREE BAY REFINERY OPERATIONS

St. Croix, USVI – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the EPA’s recent decision to pause operations at the Limetree Bay Refinery on St. Croix:

“My office has been in discussions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and have been informed this afternoon that the EPA ordered Limetree Bay Terminals, LLC and Limetree Bay Refining, LLC (Limetree Bay) to pause all operations at its St. Croix refinery due to multiple cases of improperly conducted operations that present an imminent risk to public health. Under its legal authorities in the Clean Air Act, EPA may take urgent measures if and when an entity’s actions substantially endanger public health, welfare, or the environment. Limetree Bay is in a community that is disproportionately affected by environmental burdens and recent incidents have raised significant environmental justice concerns, according to EPA.

“I will have further discussions and a briefing with the EPA on Monday, and I will, of course, share our community’s pressing concerns. My team has reached out to Limetree as well as the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), and will share any updates or additional information with the people of the territory.”

###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-06-28T00:48:43Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3785,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $5 MILLION FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS,2021-05-11,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Biden-Harris Administration releases American Rescue Plan funding for local institutions; At least half of the funding will be distributed to students as emergency financial aid

WASHINGTON. DC – Today, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding $5 million in emergency funding for The University of the Virgin Islands:

“Today I am pleased to announce that The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will receive $5,646,511 from the recently passed American Rescue Plan. The funding will help UVI cope with the severe financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue serving their students safely. At least half of the funding each institution receives will be distributed in the form of emergency cash assistance grants to students who are facing hunger, homelessness, and other hardship.

“The American Rescue Plan provides $36 billion for nearly 3,500 public and private, nonprofit colleges and universities nationwide. The success of UVI is critical to the success of our students and to the strength of this community. The American Rescue Plan makes a historic investment that will secure the future of these valued institutions and provide struggling students with urgent relief that will allow them to stay on track and complete their education. I am proud that we were able to deliver this critical support for institutions of higher education and I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for its relentless focus on defeating the pandemic and building back a better economy.”",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-06-28T00:48:43Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3765,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING THE DEREK CHAUVIN VERDICT,2021-04-20,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding the guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin case:

“The trial of Derek Chauvin prosecuted for the murder of George Floyd is a consequential case for American jurisprudence and justice for the American people. Our prayers are with the family of George Floyd and with all the families that are living through the tragedy of having lost someone at the hands of law enforcement - individuals who are supposed to serve and protect. Today’s verdict is the first step.

“The next step is ensuring the appropriate sentence for Derek Chauvin. The next step is justice for the countless other victims. Here in Washington we must continue to work in order to reform the criminal justice system by passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and we must work toward a more just and perfect union. BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!!!”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:48:19Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3766,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $165 MILLION GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY,2021-04-20,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding an important $165 million grant for the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority from FEMA to go towards management costs:

“Today, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $165,828.761.33 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA).

“WAPA operates as the sole public electric utility on St. Thomas, supplying the electric energy needs of the communities on St. Thomas and nearby islands of Water Island and Hassel Island through the Randolph Harley Power Plant. The damages to the distribution system include the primary transmission and distribution lines, the secondary distribution lines, lateral lines, related poles, transformers, capacitor banks, reclosers, switching devices, insulators, fuses, cross arms, pole structure hardware, fiber optic cable, communication radio, and pole mounted street lights. WAPA will use Force Account Labor, Equipment, Material, and Contractor Services to restore the facilities back to pre-disaster design, capacity and function with the inclusion of mitigation. Version 1 was written to capture a cost alignment related to previously approved repair and mitigation costs from Version 0, and additional scope of work related to mitigation. This version request captures actual costs of the project (Sites 1 - 19), revised mitigation costs related to composite poles that will be installed on St. Thomas, and A & E costs related to the STT Submarine Cable/Feeder Underground Project (Randolph Harley Power Plant to East End) that were not included in the previous amounts. Costs are related to real Contract Costs, Forced Account Labor, Materials, and Equipment costs associated with the repair of the St. Thomas Island distribution system at the intended location. WAPA proposes mitigation by strengthening the electrical distribution system which includes elevating the pad mounted transformers above the base flood elevation, removing pole mounted transformers and replacing them with pad mounted transformers, replacing wood poles with composite material poles and placing feeder cables underground.

“This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts and making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help rebuild our islands.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:48:19Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3764,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $7 MILLION GRANT FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (VIEDA),2021-04-19,2021,2021-04,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: Michael J. McQuerry

April 19, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $7 MILLION GRANT FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (VIEDA)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding a grant totaling $7,358,173.20 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA):

“Today, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $7,358,173.20 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA). During Hurricanes Irma and Maria VIEDA suffered extensive damages to the VI Industrial Park Development Corp Building. The warehouse of this facility is leased to small business ventures. The final Scope of work consists of demolition of the existing facility and replacing the existing building. The cost to restore the building to its pre-disaster condition would meet or exceed 50 percent of the structures’ market value. This project was evaluated for replacement of the building under the ‘50% Rule’ and found to be eligible. All cost estimates for work to be completed and structure replacement were generated using a Cost Estimate Format (CEF) by Received Standard (RS) Means. Mitigation was achieved through current codes and standards.

“This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts and making the Virgin Islands whole again. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help rebuild our islands.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:48:19Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3763,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF SAMUEL “OLD TIMER” GARNETT,2021-04-16,2021,2021-04,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: Michael J. McQuerry

April 16, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF SAMUEL “OLD TIMER” GARNETT

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement expressing her condolences to the friends and family of Samuel “Old Timer” Garnett:

“It is with tremendous sadness that I share my condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of Samuel “Old Timer” Garnett. Old Timer, as he was affectionately known by so many, was a very dear and close friend to me and my family for many years. An avid and dedicated gardener, beloved husband and father of 5, and devoted grandfather, he was a gift to so many of us. He migrated to the US Virgin Islands from St. Kitts to work in the 1950’s to secure a better future for him and his family. He worked in the cane fields and in construction before working at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility, where he served for over 20 years in multiple roles, including Chief Correctional Officer.

“Old Timer was a faithful and staunch campaign supporter of mine from the very beginning and remained tremendously supportive until the time of his passing. I will miss his timely phone calls, his fatherly advice and of course the beautiful fruits and vegetables he so freely and generously gave from his garden.

I send my love and prayers for comfort and peace to his wife, children and other family and friends during this time.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:48:19Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3761,"CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $3,000,000 IN FUNDING FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND MARINE FISHERY PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE BEEN NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY COVID–19",2021-03-29,2021,2021-03,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: Michael J. McQuerry

March 29, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $3,000,000 IN FUNDING FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND MARINE FISHERY PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE BEEN NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY COVID–19

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after announcing $3,000,000.00 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in fisheries assistance funding for Virgin Islands marine fishery participants who have been negatively affected by COVID–19:

“Today, NOAA has announced the allocation of $3 million in fisheries assistance funding provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 for marine fishery participants in the Virgin Islands who have been negatively affected by COVID–19.

“Virgin Islands fisheries can use these funds to address direct or indirect fishery-related losses as well as subsistence, cultural, or ceremonial impacts related to COVID-19.

“Fishery participants eligible for funding—including commercial fishing businesses, charter/for-hire fishing businesses, qualified aquaculture operations, processors, and other fishery-related businesses—should work with the local marine fisheries management agencies to understand the process for applying for these funds.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:47:42Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3760,"CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INTRODUCES H.R. 2053, THE RESILIENCY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2021, TO IMPROVE RESILIENCY AS THE VIRGIN ISLANDS REBUILD",2021-03-24,2021,2021-03,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 regarding H.R. 2053, the Resiliency Enhancement Act of 2021, legislation recently introduced in the House of Representatives to allow the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to rebuild additional infrastructure to be more resilient than prior to recent disasters:

“In the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, there was a recognition from Congress as to the sweeping destruction inflicted on the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. FEMA was given flexibility to make repairs and replace infrastructure on the islands to incorporate resilient design and features, regardless of pre-disaster condition (the standard that normally applies). However, eligibility was limited to infrastructure providing critical services – schools, hospitals, utilities, etc. In addition, according to FEMA, this assistance cannot apply to damages caused by disasters declared after 2017, such as the recent earthquakes in Puerto Rico, without congressional action.

“I have introduced the Resiliency Enhancement Act of 2021 to expand infrastructure eligible for this additional resiliency assistance to include our roads, bridges, ports, airports, affordable housing, and stormwater infrastructure as the islands build back, which would minimize the need for future taxpayer investments in recovery. It would also apply this additional assistance to any major disaster declared in the Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico through fiscal year 2022. This bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Congresswoman González-Colón of Puerto Rico, and has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, which will hopefully approve it for consideration by the full House of Representatives in the coming weeks.

“With climate change fixed on the radar of corporate and civil risk managers around the world, more and more attention needs to turn towards resilience and working out effective measures and solutions for global disaster loss reduction. This bill will do just that.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:47:42Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3759,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT REGARDING THE RETURN OF ROYAL CARIBBEAN SAILING IN NORTH AMERICA,2021-03-19,2021,2021-03,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: Michael J. McQuerry

March 19, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT REGARDING THE RETURN OF ROYAL CARIBBEAN SAILING IN NORTH AMERICA

St. Croix, USVI – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after hearing that Royal Caribbean will continue North America sailings in June:

“The cruise industry is an important player in the U.S. tourism sector and the Virgin Islands. The cruise industry in the U.S. had an economic impact of over $52.7 billion in total contributions in 2018 alone, marking an increase of over 10% since 2016. Nearly 13 million cruise passengers worldwide embarked from ports in the United States in 2018 — an increase of nearly 9% from 2016.

“There is no doubting the enormity of the cruise industry’s contributions to the U.S. and global economies. The 2018 Economic Impact Analysis highlights the incredible impact the industry continues to have on American businesses and individuals, as well as the growing popularity of cruising amongst passengers of all nationalities and backgrounds. The Virgin Islands has relied on tourism and in particular the cruise ship industry as a mainstay in supporting the economy of the Virgin Islands.

“While the announcement that Royal Caribbean will begin cruise operations again is welcome news, it is disappointing that they are presently unable to come to the Virgin Islands. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has blocked cruise ships that carry more than 250 people from sailing in U.S. waters since March of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The agency has not yet announced when cruise lines will be able to restart operations in U.S. waters. I have reached out and been in conversation with the Government Affairs offices of the cruise lines, and we will continue to support the Governor in discussion with the CDC to make sure cruise ships can return to the ports of the Virgin Islands safely and as soon as possible.

“With increased embarkations come increased onshore spending. In 2018, cruise lines, their passengers and crews spent a record $23.96 billion in the United States — a 33% increase since 2010. Additionally, 2018 saw a new peak in the cruise industry’s U.S. expenditures, generating 421,711 jobs across the United States and contributing more than $23.15 billion in wages and salaries, a nearly 13% increase since 2016.

“Combined, these numbers reflect the growing consensus that cruising has evolved into a mainstream choice for travelers of all means and backgrounds, as well as a leader in the tourism sector - especially here in the Virgin Islands. Along with working with stakeholders on the reopening of the Virgin Islands as a cruise ship port, I am eager to support the local government and businesses to ensure that our tourism product continues to be competitive with other destinations.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:47:42Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3758,"CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT, CONGRESSWOMAN ALMA ADAMS AND CONGRESSMAN JEFF FORTENBERRY INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO EXPAND THE FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM",2021-03-11,2021,2021-03,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: Michael J. McQuerry

March 11, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT, CONGRESSWOMAN ALMA ADAMS AND CONGRESSMAN JEFF FORTENBERRY INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO EXPAND THE FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Reps. Stacey E. Plaskett, Alma Adams and Jeff Fortenberry introduced the H.R. 1768 - the Farm to School Act of 2021. The bill expands participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Grant Program to preschools, after-school programs, and summer food service sites, and increases annual mandatory funding from $5 to $15 million. Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement:

“H.R.1768 - is a bill that will transform the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act in order to reauthorize the farm to school program, and for other purposes. Millions of students are eating healthier and engaged in food and agriculture education because of the Farm to School Program. It is a commonsense program that benefits children and their families while providing economic opportunities to our farmers,” said Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, a senior member of the House Committee on Agriculture. “The increased demand for Farm to School programming tells us that more people are beginning to understand the connection between local foods and healthy young minds. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation in support of our nation’s schools and local farmers who help improve classroom diets and local economies. Through the Farm to School Grant Program, participating schools, nonprofit organizations, and local, state and tribal governments can help schools offer locally grown, fresh food to students. The bill expands markets for farmers, fishers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs and includes provisions targeting increased participation from beginning veteran and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.”

“There are many organizations like ours across the nation that need support to effectively develop and sustain farm to school programs for their communities. For the U.S. territories, access to this funding is critical. In 2015, we received a USDA Farm to School Grant to host our first Farm to School Conference in the Virgin Islands and it felt like an auspicious start,” stated Sommer Sibilly, Founder and Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition. “However, due to lack of resources, we have been unable to host another. While USDA has done a phenomenal job awarding existing grants, limited funding and the program structure do not ensure equity. In my experience, a community's success with implementing farm to school is predicated on readiness and infrastructure. To date, there are many communities across the country struggling with food security and access for whom farm to school is imperative, but they do not have access to resources and capacity necessary to move efforts forward. The reality is many of those communities are communities of color. It is my hope that through the passage of legislation like the Farm to School Act of 2021, which will increase funding and change the grant language structure to foster collaboration and prioritize equity, the USDA Farm to School Program will have significant potential to move the needle toward a more equitable and just food system for all.”

“The Farm to School Grant Program supports healthy students and strengthens our local food systems,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. “The Farm to School Act of 2021 expands participation in this critical program and increases its funding, which is more important than ever as our students, schools and farmers face difficult challenges due to the global pandemic. Teachers, parents, and farmers all know that healthy students are successful students, so I am proud to support the introduction of this important legislation.”

“When the pandemic began, school nutrition professionals, educators and local food producers – the people who make farm to school work – were some of the very first community members to step up and ensure the ongoing care and support of children and families,” stated Karen Spangler, Policy Director with National Farm to School Network. “The measures included in the Farm to School Act will give them much-needed resources to continue their work as we emerge from the pandemic. Furthermore, the bill’s emphasis on ensuring equitable access to this important grant program will help those most impacted by the pandemic, including Native and tribal communities, racially diverse communities, and early care and education sites. There has never been a better time to build on the successes of this program.”

“Food is fundamental to our very existence, and learning about food – where it comes from, who grows it, and how it feeds our bodies and minds – should be a fundamental part of all students’ educational experience. Over the last 15 years, farm to school programs in the U.S. have helped thousands of schools to connect their students with real, healthy foods,” stated Wes King, Senior Policy Specialist with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. “These programs have also served as powerful economic drivers, generating hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue for family farmers each year, according to the most recent USDA Farm to School Census. The Farm to School Act is the cornerstone of a series of proposals supported by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition that, if included in the next Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization, would help improve health outcomes for our children and economic outcomes for family farmers across the country.”

Since 2010, Congress has provided $5 million annually for this competitive grant program that increases the use of, and improves access to, local foods in schools, while promoting food education for our nation’s children. Since 2013, USDA has received more than 1,900 applications requesting over $141 million, however, only 437 awards were granted from the $30 million available ($5 million per year). The Farm to School Act increases annual mandatory funding for Farm to School to $15 million to meet the current need and increases the maximum individual grant award to $250,000.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:47:42Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3757,PLASKETT AND GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION FOR THE PERMANENCE OF THE FEDERAL REBATE PROGRAM ON RUM TAX,2021-03-08,2021,2021-03,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: Michael J. McQuerry

March 8, 2021 202-215-8524

PLASKETT AND GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION FOR THE PERMANENCE OF THE FEDERAL REBATE PROGRAM ON RUM TAX

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón introduced legislation on the federal rum tax refund program that impacts the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement:

“This is a measure to fix a long-standing fiscal cliff related to the rebate of federal excise taxes on distilled spirits production in the territories: the ‘rum cover over’. The cover-over has been part of the fundamental tax relationship between the United States and its territories going back over a century,” stated Congresswoman Plaskett. “This bill would repeal the limit that has been imposed on the program since 1984. That will help to provide essential public services and to encourage production and employment on the islands as we recover from pandemic and economic downturn.”

“The rum cover over has been an invaluable tool for spurring economic development and creating well-paid jobs both in Puerto Rico and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Government of Puerto Rico has consistently allocated the vast majority of these funds to its General Fund and to entities that contribute to the general welfare of our population, such as the Conservation Trust, the Authority for Financing of Infrastructure (AFI), and the Science, Technology and Research Trust,” stated Resident Commissioner González Colón. “Both territories seek its permanence, as was the case prior to 1984, to create certainty in the funding for these entities and so that they won't have to seek its reauthorization every two years.”

“The government of the Virgin Islands has always allocated the vast majority of the rum taxes to its general fund, as well as to entities that contribute to the general welfare of the population,” stated Congresswoman Plaskett. “This important legislation would ensure that all revenue from federal excise taxes on rum produced in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and sold in the United States is returned to the territories of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, respectively, providing a more reliable and consistent funding source to the islands’ treasuries as we continue to endure this period of economic uncertainty.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:47:42Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3756,HOUSE PASSES H.R. 1 - TRANSFORMATIVE DEMOCRACY REFORM AND CLEAN GOVERNMENT REFORM BILL,2021-03-04,2021,2021-03,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: Michael J. McQuerry

March 4, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

HOUSE PASSES H.R. 1 - TRANSFORMATIVE DEMOCRACY REFORM AND CLEAN GOVERNMENT REFORM BILL

“This Bill contains amendments authored by me that represent long overdue recognition of territorial voting rights issues, and the important contributions of the territories to the United States and American democracy,” stated Congresswoman Plaskett.

Washington DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, which contains language introduced by Congresswoman Plaskett:

“Today, the Democratic House is building on our progress by once again passing H.R. 1, the For The People Act, the most significant voting rights and democracy reform in more than half a century. This package will:

· Fight big money in politics: take on the power of special interests, end dark money, and ensure public officials are working in the public interest.

· Expand voting rights: ensure we have secure, accurate elections and stop voter suppression efforts designed to stop people from voting based on who they will vote for.

· End extreme partisan gerrymandering: create a non-partisan, open process to draw transparent and fair congressional district maps.

· Hold elected officials accountable: implement tougher ethics laws to ensure elected officials are held accountable.

“As for the Virgin Islands - H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2021, contains my amendment to establish a Congressional Task Force to review federal voting rights and election issues facing U.S. territories. It would require the Task Force to make recommendations to Congress on providing U.S. citizens residing in the U.S. territories with equitable voting representation in Congress, voting rights in presidential elections, and full and equal inclusion under federal voting and election laws.

“The bill also includes my amendment to permit each of the U.S. territories to provide and furnish statues for inclusion in the National Statuary Hall collection in the U.S. Capitol. This is an important provision that allows each of the territories representation among the statues in the Halls of Congress.

“Furthermore, the bill also includes an additional amendment authored by me to include the territories in provisions that assist with voter registrations, including the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (also known as the Motor Voter Act), as well as to apply federal voter protection laws to the territories. This would extend federal prohibitions against voter intimidation and voter interference to federal elections in the territories.

“These provisions represent long-overdue recognition of territorial voting rights issues and the important contributions of the territories to the United States and American democracy. In light of accelerating partisan efforts to thwart the electoral process and disenfranchise voters, primarily in communities of color, and the rising influence of powerful mega-donors that drown out the voices of voters - passage and enactment of this legislation is critical. ”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:47:42Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3755,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON RECENT WAVE OF GUN VIOLENCE ON ST. CROIX,2021-02-28,2021,2021-02,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

February 28, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON RECENT WAVE OF GUN VIOLENCE ON ST. CROIX

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement concerning the recent wave of gun violence on St. Croix:

“I am beyond disheartened to hear of the unusually large number of shootings on St. Croix over this past weekend, and the deaths and injuries caused as a result. The violence in our territory has been steadily increasing, especially in the past few years. If we are going to address this problem effectively, we must recognize and accept that this is not just about guns and crime, it’s about the lack of opportunity for our young people, especially our young men, along with the issues of drug trafficking and the breakdown of our traditional morals.

“I understand the pain, disillusionment and anger felt by the loved ones and friends of the individuals who lost their lives over this past weekend. Our own family is in mourning for the loss of one of the brothers lost this weekend. My love and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the individuals who are no longer with us due to gun violence.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:44Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3752,HOUSE PASSES PLASKETT BILL TO DESIGNATE ST. CROIX AS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA,2021-02-26,2021,2021-02,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“Today, the House passed H.R. 803, the Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act: a landmark package of bipartisan bills, including the St. Croix National Heritage Area Act to designate the island of St. Croix as a National Heritage Area.

“National Heritage Areas (NHA) are designated by Congress as places where historic, cultural, and natural resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes. St. Croix is rich in culture, history and offers the resources ideal for establishing an NHA. The effort to achieve this designation started with former Congresswoman Donna M. Christensen in 2003 with a bill to authorize a feasibility study for the NHA designation on St. Croix.

“This legislation would assign the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office as local coordinating entity to oversee and develop programs and projects that recognize, protect, and enhance important resource values in the Heritage Area. In addition, it would make funding available to develop recreational and educational opportunities to inform and engage our youth on the heritage of St. Croix.

“Passage of this bill presents an economic boost. As this bill makes its way through the U.S. Senate we are asking our local government to support its passage for President Biden to sign into law. It is imperative that we protect and restore historic sites and buildings in our historical district of St. Croix through public-private partnerships.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:44Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3753,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INTRODUCES NEW LEGISLATION AIMED AT IMPROVING ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN THE TERRITORY,2021-02-26,2021,2021-02,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

February 26, 2021 202-215-8524

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT INTRODUCES NEW LEGISLATION AIMED AT IMPROVING ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN THE TERRITORY

Washington, DC - This week, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at improving the economy in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Congresswoman released the following statement:

“It is an honor to be the first Member from a Territory to serve on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Seats on the Ways and Means Committee are highly sought after by lawmakers because of its jurisdiction over key economic policy issues like tax, trade and health care issues.

“The decisions made by this committee have a profound impact on the health and welfare of Virgin Island families. That is why this week I introduced several bills as part of my strategy toward improving the economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands. These bills, along with several others to come, will—aside from improving economic development—address transportation and infrastructure, as well as greater access to education and healthcare for Virgin Islands residents.

“Some of the legislation I introduced this week includes:

“Territories College Access Act - This bill would establish a college access program for students in the U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands. The Governor of the Virgin Islands would be awarded grants by the Secretary of Education to pay for the difference between the tuition for in-state students and out-of-state students at participating mainland U.S. institutions of higher education that enroll eligible students from the territories.

“Extend Basic Allowance for Housing to service members in the Virgin Islands - This bill authorizes the basic allowance for housing for members of the uniformed services in the Virgin Islands (instead of the overseas housing allowance).

“Hire A Hero Act - This bill would allow small businesses a work opportunity tax credit for hiring a member of the Ready Reserve or the National Guard, and makes such tax credit permanent with respect to the hiring of servicemembers in the Ready Reserve or the National Guard, and with respect to the hiring of qualified veterans.

“Territorial Tax Parity Act - This bill modifies the income source rules that apply with respect to the taxation of income from U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands.

“Territorial Tax Equity and Economic Growth Act - This bill modifies the residence and income source rules that apply with respect to the taxation of income from U.S. territories.

“Territorial Economic Recovery Act - This bill restores favorable tax treatment of investment in U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands. Specifically, it provides for a limited exemption from new taxes on global intangible low tax income (GILTI) imposed in U.S. territories in 2017.

“Tax parity of investments by U.S.-owned companies in the Virgin Islands - This bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide for an exclusion from the tax law’s definition of “United States person” for bona fide residents of the Virgin Islands, similar to the existing exclusion for bona fide residents of Puerto Rico, in order to bring tax parity to investments in the territories by companies owned by U.S. persons, and to prevent unwarranted diversion of capital investments from the Virgin Islands.

“Dictionary Act amendment to define Territories as a State in Federal programs - This bill creates a rule of construction in the U.S. Code to include the U.S. territories in the definition of the term “State” for purposes of all federal laws and programs (except where special treatment has been explicitly provided).

“National Statuary Hall Parity - This bill permits each of the U.S. territories to provide and furnish statues honoring their citizens for placement in Statuary Hall in the same manner as statues honoring citizens of the States are provided for placement in Statuary Hall.

“Getting these bills passed, will protect jobs and the livelihood of our small business owners and increase the amount of revenue generated in the territory.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:44Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3754,PLASKETT AND HOUSE DEMOCRATS TO DELIVER BOLD RELIEF FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE - INCLUDING $584 MILLION TO VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT,2021-02-26,2021,2021-02,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

February 26, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

PLASKETT AND HOUSE DEMOCRATS TO DELIVER BOLD RELIEF FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE - INCLUDING $584 MILLION TO VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R.1319):

“The coronavirus pandemic and economic crisis are destroying lives and livelihoods across the country. Tens of millions of Americans have been infected, and on Sunday, we passed the tragic milestone of having lost half a million lives to the virus. Meanwhile, the economic crisis is accelerating: over 18 million Americans are receiving unemployment benefits, nearly 24 million Americans are going hungry with an estimated 12 million children living in households with food insecurity, up to 40 million Americans cannot afford to pay rent and fear eviction, school closures threaten the education of countless millions of our children, and our most vulnerable communities are bearing the brunt of these twin crises as underlying health and economic inequities grow worse. Over 2.3 million women have been forced to leave the workforce entirely, including nearly 1 million mothers, and eight of ten minority businesses are on the brink of closure.

“The plan finishes the job on the President’s promise to provide $2,000 in direct assistance, with checks of $1,400 per person, following the $600 down payment in December. The plan will provide direct housing and nutrition assistance, expand access to safe and reliable childcare and affordable healthcare, extend unemployment insurance, and support 27 million children with an expanded Child Tax Credit and 15 million workers through the Earned Income Tax Credit.

“I am proud to note the inclusion of special provisions in this bill for the Virgin Islands that I have been fighting for since I came to Congress. This plan creates equality in the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit for the Virgin Islands, including an advancement of the Child Tax Credit in 2021. This legislation provides federal reimbursement to the Virgin Islands for the cost of these federal tax benefits, and for educating preparers to encourage more workers to elect the tax credits. This will be very important to raise wages, reduce poverty, and improve the economic standing of low-income Americans in the Virgin Islands as we fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This bill also includes a direct federal fiscal transfer of $584 million to the government of the Virgin Islands to respond to the public health emergency and address the negative economic impacts of this pandemic.

“The American people need to know that, during this historic crisis, help is on the way.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:44Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3751,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MALCOLM EVANS,2021-02-21,2021,2021-02,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

February 21, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS HER CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MALCOLM EVANS

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement expressing her condolences to the Virgin Islands community after learning of the passing of Malcolm A. Evans, Jr:

“The passing of Malcolm A. Evans, Jr. is a loss to the U.S. Virgin Islands. I was saddened to hear of his death. He was a great example of our cultural heritage and a musical genius who used his talents to benefit Virgin Islanders. Known for his iconic baritone voice, he graced many local weddings, church services, and concerts. He also created sound effects and voice-overs for radio and television advertisements, promoting Virgin Islands tourism in over 12 major U.S. cities.”

“The embodiment of the Lions Club motto, “We Serve,” Mr. Evans was active in service to his community as a member of the St. Croix Lions Club and the Virgin Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross. The impact of his commitment to serve was immediately felt by his service to the St. Croix community in the aftermath of several hurricanes that struck the territory.”

“As preparations are being made to lay his body to rest, I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family, loved ones, and friends. Mr. Evans will be remembered as a consummate musician, using his voice as his instrument, effortlessly gracing whatever stage he was on. Those of us who had the opportunity to hear and enjoy his beautiful voice, and those who benefited from his years of community service can count ourselves blessed. He will be greatly missed! May His soul rest in eternal peace.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:44Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3749,CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS HER CONDOLENCES TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE HELICOPTER CRASH IN ST. THOMAS,2021-02-16,2021,2021-02,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

February 16, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT OFFERS HER CONDOLENCESTO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE HELICOPTER CRASH IN ST. THOMAS

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the helicopter crash in Botany Bay, St. Thomas yesterday:

“I was deeply devastated to hear of yesterday’s helicopter crash in Botany Bay that claimed precious lives, including a family of 3. One of the passengers was a senior in my youngest son’s class at Antilles School and had a bright, beautiful future ahead of him.

“I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to the family members, loved ones and friends of each of the individuals that was onboard. This is a horrific tragedy that no one should have to face. I’d like to thank our local public servants, including St. Thomas Rescue, Director Daryl George and the V.I. Fire Service, the V.I. Police Department, and VITEMA for their courageous service to the people of the Virgin Islands.

“On behalf of my staff, my family and myself, our thoughts and fervent prayers for comfort, strength and peace are with the families and loved ones of the victims of this tragic incident.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:44Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3748,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $4 MILLION GRANT FOR VITEMA FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS,2021-02-05,2021,2021-02,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

February 5, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $4 MILLION GRANT FOR VITEMA FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding a $4 million grant for VITEMA from FEMA for Management Costs to pay Hazard Mitigation staff:

“Today, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $4,275,629.39 in federal funding to the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency for State Management Costs. Management Costs are any indirect costs and administrative expenses that are reasonably incurred by a Grantee in administering a grant award. This grant is provided at a 100% cost share.

“Currently the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) has a total of 13 full time employees, six (6) on St. Croix and seven (7) on St. Thomas. There are now currently five open positions with the possibility of additional resources being needed as grant projects continue through to approval. Additionally, the funding is used to cover the need by the team as it pertains to equipment, software, supplies, training, travel both within and outside the Territory. State Management Costs also cover professional services for Contractors.

“This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding. The United States government continues to have an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure and provide critical humanitarian assistance.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:44Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3747,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT GRANT FOR LOCAL HOMELESS PROGRAMS,2021-02-03,2021,2021-02,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

February 3, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT GRANT FOR LOCAL HOMELESS PROGRAMS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s plan to renew funding for homeless programs:

“I am pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $206,369 for homeless programs here in the Virgin Islands as part of their Continuum of Care (CoC) grants. The CoC program provides critically needed support to local programs on the front lines of serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Traditionally, applications for this funding are processed in a much more methodical manner, but the process was dramatically streamlined because communities have been consumed with COVID-19 response and have limited capacity.

The funds provided can support a variety of interventions designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those living in places not meant for habitation, located in sheltering programs, or at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:44Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3746,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT LEADS LEGISLATION TO INCLUDE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN THE SSI PROGRAM,2021-02-02,2021,2021-02,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

February 2, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT LEADS LEGISLATION TO INCLUDE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN THE SSI PROGRAM

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI), Congresswoman Jenniffer González Colón (R-PR), Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and others filed HR 537, the Supplemental Security Income Equality Act, to extend the Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) program to residents of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement:

“SSI is anti-poverty program in which the federal government financially assists people age 65 and older with income under the poverty level and minors with disabilities or conditions such as cancer, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and multiple sclerosis, among other conditions that affect the family and the individual’s ability to generate enough income to live. Since coming to Congress I have been advocating for the non-discrimination of American citizens living in the Virgin Islands and other territories to be afforded these benefits. Indeed, as early as 1977 my predecessors have been advocating and introducing legislation for this benefit.

“Beneficiaries of the SSI must apply for all other benefits for which they may be eligible before they can receive assistance under that program. The maximum amount of money that the SSI program provides is $794 per month for an individual or $1,191 per month for a couple. For 2019, the average SSI beneficiary received $ 551 per month ($655 for minors with disabilities). In the Virgin Islands and indeed the other territories as well this supplemental income is desperately needed to support our neediest residents.

“Virgin Islanders, who are American citizens, feel the weight of discrimination every day when they try to access benefits but are automatically denied just because they live in a territory instead of one of the 50 states. The pandemic has devastated Virgin Islands economy and thousands are struggling to make ends meet. Ensuring equal access to anti-poverty benefits, like SSI, will help Virgin Islanders put food on their tables and ease the financial pressures families are facing.

“Myself, Congresswoman Gonzalez Colon and other co-sponsors are encouraged by the First Circuit Court of Appeals decision in April 10, 2020, in U.S. v. Vaello-Madero, which found it unconstitutional for the Social Security Administration to deny Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to otherwise qualified individuals based on their residence. We are continuing to push the new administration to not request review by the US Supreme Court and we are working together with my position on the Ways and Means Committee to further advance the issue.

“Obtaining access to the SSI program for Virgin Islanders continues to be part of my priorities.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:44Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3745,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES BLACK HISTORY MONTH COMPETITION,2021-01-27,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 27, 2020 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES BLACK HISTORY MONTH COMPETITION

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey. E. Plaskett released the following statement announcing a Black History Month competition:

“As we approach Black History Month, I would like to announce that my office will be hosting a creative competition for students grade K-12. The competition will run between February 1-20th and asks students to create an original video or a visual presentation with a reenactment, reading, or other creative presentation of or inspired by a speech, scene, artistic work, or event in Black history or culture.

“Black history and culture are so rich and this Black History month I would like Virgin Islands students to get creative and highlight that through this competition.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:07Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3743,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $2.5 MILLION GRANT FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,2021-01-25,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 25, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $2.5 MILLION GRANT FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding a grant totaling $2.5 million for the Virgin Islands Department of Health:

“Today, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $2,506,200.00 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Department of Health for Emergency Protective Measures.

“The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public requiring emergency response and protective measures throughout the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). In response to the event, the USVI is distributing and administering COVID-19 vaccines to its population via the Vaccine Command Center (VCC) and a network of private healthcare providers, publicly operated vaccination administration centers, and publicly supported vaccination administration centers. The VCC represents more than 32 Territory facilities. The VCC took actions to establish the 34 vaccine sites including but not limited to staffing services, purchasing equipment and materials for the expansion of facility capacity and establishing temporary facilities, the purchase of supplies, transportation, and distribution of personal protective equipment to staff.

“This Grant is for Scope of Work (SOW) and the costs for distributing and administering the vaccine. The emergency protective measures consist of providing supplies and commodities to include emergency medical supplies (for emergency medical care needs that may arise in the administration of the vaccine), sharps containers (for medical waste), and supplies necessary for proper storage like canisters of liquid nitrogen or dry ice. Provided transportation support for refrigerated trucks and transport security when reasonable and necessary. Provided transportation support for leasing space for storage and/or administration of vaccines, utilities, maintenance, and security. Provided staffing for medical and support staff. Provided onsite infection control measures and PPE for staff as well as cloth face coverings for patients, temperature scanners, physical barriers (e.g., plexiglass dividers), and disinfection of the facility in accordance with CDC guidance. Provided emergency medical care to address allergic reactions to the vaccine or other emergency medical needs that arise during the administration of the vaccine. Provided medical waste disposal in support of vaccination sites and provided dissemination of information and communication to the public regarding vaccinations.

“This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts and making the Virgin Islands whole again. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help rebuild our islands.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:07Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3742,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON SECOND ROUND OF ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS TO VIRGIN ISLANDERS,2021-01-24,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 24, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON SECOND ROUND OF ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS TO VIRGIN ISLANDERS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) to Virgin Islanders:

“I was pleased to have been informed that the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has received the advanced federal funding from the U.S. Treasury to begin processing the second round of stimulus checks to Virgin Islanders. The funding from the federal government was released from our request to Congress as part of the COVID relief legislation.

“Since the first round of stimulus payments, the Bureau has been working diligently to disburse checks and I am certain that they will continue to work expeditiously to process this second round. I continue to be proud of the work that I and my team are doing to ensure that the Virgin Islands is included in all COVID relief legislation. Thank you again to the Bureau of Internal Revenue for their tireless work to get these checks out to our community.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:07Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3741,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT THANKS VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS DEPLOYED TO WASHINGTON D.C.,2021-01-23,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 23, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT THANKS VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS DEPLOYED TO WASHINGTON D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement after visiting with members of the Virgin Islands National Guard who have deployed to Washington D.C. to assist with security for President Biden’s Inauguration:

“I was honored to have a chance to thank the Virgin Island National Guardsmen and women who have deployed to Washington, D.C. to help protect the U.S. Capitol and assist with security for the Presidential Inauguration. Under the command of Adjunct General Commander Knox-Limbacker our troops, as usual, conducted themselves in an outstanding manner.

“Time after time, our Guardsmen answer the call to serve and they have carried out their mission here with dignity and the utmost professionalism. These men and women represent the very best our Territory and nation have to offer and I thank them for their service. I also want to thank the Virgin Island Association of DC who always come through to show Virgin Islands’ hospitality with their time and gave generous contributions to the troops. VIADC learned that our troops would be in town and made sure they were shown love with care bags and warm Virgin Islands thanks for their service. Thank you all for showing once again why we are VI Strong.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:07Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3738,"CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $113,000,000.00 FEMA GRANT V.I. WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY / ST JOHN",2021-01-22,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 22, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $113,000,000.00 FEMA GRANT V.I. WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY / ST JOHN

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding $113,449,904.55 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) for electrical distribution repairs on St. John:

“Today, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant of $113,449,904.55 is federal funding to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) for electrical distribution repairs on St. John.

“Hurricane Maria produced severe wind and wind driven rain, resulting in extensive damage to the power infrastructure throughout the US Virgin Islands (USVI), including St. John. Approximately 90% of St. John’s power overhead distribution system experienced damage resulting in numerous outages to both commercial and residential customers. In response, WAPA will use force account labor, equipment and material and contractor services to mitigate the facilities back to pre-disaster capacity and function while improving the design and resilience.

“This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously in our ongoing rebuilding efforts. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help rebuild our islands.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:07Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3739,PRESIDENT BIDEN’S NEW EXECUTIVE ACTIONS DELIVER ECONOMIC RELIEF FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES AMID THE COVID-19 CRISIS,2021-01-22,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 22, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

PRESIDENT BIDEN’S NEW EXECUTIVE ACTIONS DELIVER ECONOMIC RELIEF FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES AMID THE COVID-19 CRISIS

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding President Biden new executive actions bringing economic and food relief to Americans:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the United States economy into an economic crisis. Across the country, more than 10 million Americans are unemployed, 14 million renters are behind on payments, and 29 million adults – and at least 8 million children – are struggling with food insecurity. Because of pervasive systemic racism and inequality in our economy, the burdens of this economic crisis are hitting communities of color and other underserved families hardest. One in ten Black workers and one in eleven Latino workers are unemployed. Navigating through the current crisis and emerging stronger requires immediate action to provide equitable economic relief to working families everywhere.

“Last week, President Biden unveiled a historic legislative package designed to change the course of the pandemic, get students back to school, give families and businesses a bridge to an economic recovery, and invest in advancing racial equity. His plan came on the heels of December’s bipartisan deal to provide a down payment on long-term economic relief for working families. Congress should finish the job by expeditiously passing the American Rescue Plan into law. But the American people cannot afford to wait for Congress to act – they need help and they need it now.

“Today, the President is issuing an Executive Order that will launch an all-of-government effort to provide equitable emergency economic relief to working families, communities, and small businesses across the nation. The actions taken as part of this effort will provide relief to millions of American workers who have lost their jobs and had their hours or wages slashed through no fault of their own. They will help working families feed their children and keep a roof over their head. They will help ensure that unemployed Americans no longer have to choose between paying their bills and keeping themselves and their families safe from COVID-19 by clarifying that workers who refuse unsafe working conditions can still receive unemployment insurance. And, they will help more unemployed workers pay for training and college so they can find better jobs and succeed in an increasingly competitive job market.

“That all-of-government effort will:

● Address the growing hunger crisis facing 29 million Americans -- and as many as 12 million children – by asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to consider expanding and extending federal nutrition assistance programs.

● Ensure equitable and effective delivery of direct payments -- by asking the Treasury Department to consider changing its delivery structure and focus on getting relief to the 8 million Americans who still have not received the financial assistance to which they are entitled.

● Help approximately 2 million veterans maintain their financial footing by asking the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to consider pausing federal collections on overpayments and debts.

● Help ensure that unemployed Americans no longer have to choose between paying their bills and keeping themselves and their families safe from COVID-19 by asking the U.S. Department of Labor to consider clarifying that workers who refuse unsafe working conditions can still receive unemployment insurance.

● Enable effective and equitable distribution of government assistance by establishing an interagency benefit coordination structure.

“While additional congressional action is urgently needed to help working families through the remainder of the crisis, these emergency measures are important steps to give millions of Americans real relief during the pandemic. This executive order combined with the President’s historic relief package and forthcoming jobs package will help Americans persevere through the pandemic and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery. The President is also recommending immediate action to improve the wages, benefits, and bargaining rights of federal workers and contractors.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:07Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3737,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT CELEBRATING THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS,2021-01-20,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 20, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT CELEBRATING THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement in honor of newly inaugurated President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris:

“Today, I am overjoyed that we are celebrating the inauguration of our new President and Vice President. The road that led to this place has been long and arduous, particularly in the last few weeks. Despite the visible threats and danger to the very fabric of our democracy, justice prevailed and we are finally on the cusp of what I hope will be great change. My soul is encouraged by the will and voice of the people that so clearly placed President Biden and Vice President Harris in the positions that they solemnly hold now.

“Setting an historic precedent, President-elect Biden will be signing (or signed) more than a dozen executive orders during his first official hours as President. These actions immediately address the most pressing concerns we currently face as a nation: the Coronavirus pandemic, the economic crisis, climate change and the pervasive issues surrounding racial equity, including immigration. The orders signed by the President address each of the crises directly and aggressively. These actions fall under the constitutional purview of our Commander in Chief and need to be supplemented by Congressional action and I look forward to working along with my colleagues to provide consistent support for the Biden administration as they move our country forward.

“As we take this time to celebrate the incredible diversity of our country, reflect and honor our history, it is my prayer that both our President and Vice President will be strengthened for the path that lies ahead; leading our nation into a time of great recovery, equity, opportunity and justice for all.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:07Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3736,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT AND THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES THE PARTICIPATION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN THE “PARADE ACROSS AMERICA”,2021-01-18,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 18, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT AND THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES THE PARTICIPATION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN THE “PARADE ACROSS AMERICA”

“The Parade will include Americans and performances representing all 50 U.S. States and Territories, a first for Inaugural Parades,” stated Congresswoman Plaskett.

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett and the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced participants in a virtual ‘Parade Across America’ on January 20 at 3:15 PM ET that will feature diverse, dynamic performances in communities in all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands to, celebrate America’s heroes, and highlight the diversity, heritage, and resilience of the country. The Congresswoman released the following statement:

“There will not be a traditional inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue on Wednesday, but there will be a virtual ‘Parade Across America’ and the U.S. Virgin Islands will be a participant. President-elect Joe Biden’s virtual parade, which will follow his swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol and a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, will include performers and other representatives from all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The event, billed as a “Parade Across America,” will celebrate the nation's heroes and highlight the diversity, heritage and resilience of the country.

“I want to thank Governor Albert Bryan, Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte and Assistant Director of the Division of Festivals Shamari Haynes, along with the participants from the Virgin Islands for working so diligently with my office to make this historic event an even more meaningful one. As a nation, we are strengthened by our respect for one another. By lifting up voices from all walks of life, in every corner of our country, and with the help of the Virgin Islands, the first moments of the Biden-Harris Administration will be a celebration of an inclusive, resilient and united America.

“Following the Inaugural Ceremonies and a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery, President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris will receive a Presidential Escort from 15th Street to the White House. In addition to the drumlines, the escort will include representatives of every branch of the military, including the U.S. Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard, and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard and Fife and Drum Corps from the 3rd U.S. Infantry ‘The Old Guard.’

“The parade will also feature performers and speakers in communities across the country:

· USVI: Batons, Dancers, Steel Drums, Street Parade

“The event will be livestreamed at https://BidenInaugural.org/watch starting at 3:15 PM ET/ 4:15 PM AST on January 20 and on the PIC’s social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Twitch. The PIC’s streaming partners, including Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft Bing, NewsNOW from Fox, and AT&T U-verse (Channel 212/1212 in SD/HD) and DIRECTV (Channel 201), will also carry the program live.

“Additional details about these and other inaugural activities will be released in the coming days. For the latest updates on inaugural programming and activities, visit bideninaugural.org.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:07Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3735,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT IN HONOR OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY,2021-01-17,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 17, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT IN HONOR OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

“Today, we celebrate Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most prominent figures of the 20th century, whose principles continue to serve as a guiding light for millions. His staunch belief in peace and faith that a better future requires togetherness continue to resonate strongly at home and across the globe.

“We are still plagued by much of the injustice that Dr. King fought against. We have not however, stopped fighting for the justice that must precede the unity that can exist.

“Dr. King’s words on leadership sit heavily with me as we celebrate our incoming President-elect, while pursuing justice and accountability from the outgoing one: ‘Leaders of sound integrity. Leaders not in love with publicity, but in love with justice. Leaders not in love with money, but in love with humanity. Leaders who can subject their particular egos to the greatness of the cause....Leaders who can stand before the demagogue and damn his treacherous flatteries without winking.’

“I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration that will be sworn in this week. It is our prayer that this administration will lead a just and equitable recovery. As we travel on the arc of the moral universe let us remember that it is our duty to bend it towards justice. Let us also remember Dr. King’s sacrifice and service to his fellow man by making this week one where we serve our fellow man.

“Pray for our nation as we engage in our Founders’ promise of the peaceful transfer of power. Pray for our leaders as we attempt to maintain our democracy, those in service as they shield our democracy, and I especially ask that you pray for me as I perform my duty to uphold our Constitution.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:07Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3734,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES THREE IMPORTANT GRANTS FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS,2021-01-15,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 15, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES THREE IMPORTANT GRANTS FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding three important grants totaling $13.5 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles:

“Today, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that provides funding for three Virgin Islands government agencies. The grant for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is for $3,231.954.93 in federal funding. The funds are for permanent repairs to the St. Thomas BMV Main Office Building for damages that happened as a result of Hurricane Maria.

“I am also pleased to announce two other grants from FEMA for the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources. The first grant is for $6,213,969 in federal funding to be used for the purpose of repairing damages caused to the Fort Frederik Museum by Hurricane Maria. The second grant is for $2,902,538.25 in federal funding to be used for the purpose of repairing damages at the Charles W. Turnbull Regional Public Library Building.

“The final portion of the grant is for $1,192,715.24, awarded to the V.I. Department of Agriculture for permanent work to be done to the Forestry Building on St. Croix.

“These important grants will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously in our ongoing rebuilding efforts. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure and help rebuild our islands.”

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https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3732,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $69.7 MILLION IN EDUCATION FUNDS TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS,2021-01-14,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 14, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $69.7 MILLION IN EDUCATION FUNDS TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement on the release of $69.7 million by the U.S. Department of Education to the Virgin Islands, from coronavirus relief funding recently enacted by Congress, to assist local schools and students during the Covid-19 pandemic:

“This $69.7 million in coronavirus relief funding will support efforts to protect the lives and livelihoods of Virgin Islanders. Since the beginning of this pandemic, parents have been counting on federal assistance to help our children and students continue to learn. Our office was hard at work to ensure that the Virgin Islands would receive sufficient funding for those purposes. This funding will be distributed to the Virgin Islands Department of Education and the Governor of the Virgin Islands.

“These funds may be used to help K-12 schools in the Virgin Islands with facility repairs and improvements — including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems projects to improve indoor air quality in school facilities as well as to facilitate in-school attendance by students. The aid could also be used to address distance education needs and learning loss among students — including among low-income students, children with disabilities, ESL (English as a Second Language) learners, students experiencing homelessness, and children and youth in foster care.

“This emergency relief amounts to important progress, which must be built on under the Biden-Harris Administration. Next week, Joe Biden enters the White House. It’s my understanding that within the first 100 days additional relief will be a priority and we will make sure the Virgin Islands continues to be included in any package.”

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https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3733,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES A $6 MILLION GRANT AWARDED TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,2021-01-14,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 14, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES A $6 MILLION GRANT AWARDED TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement announcing that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Virgin Islands Department of Health a grant for $6,112,700 for Health Services:

“I am happy to announce that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded these funds to the V.I. Department of Health for the V.I. Epidemiology Lab Program.

“This funding is critical for continuing maintenance and improvements in the epidemiological and laboratory capacity in our territory. This grant will provide resources to help our Department of Health in continuing to execute their public health mission.”

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https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3730,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT IS NAMED AS AN IMPEACHMENT MANAGER,2021-01-13,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 13, 2020 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT IS NAMED AS AN IMPEACHMENT MANAGER

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey. E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding being named as an impeachment manager in the second impeachment of Donald J. Trump:

“I am humbled and honored to be given the sacred responsibility to serve as an impeachment manager in the trial of Donald J. Trump before the United States Senate for crimes against this country. I have sworn an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Donald J. Trump has been and continues to be a clear and present danger to our republic, to our constitution, and to the people of this nation. I will do my duty and defend our blessed country.”

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https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3731,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT CONDEMNING VIOLENT BEHAVIOR AT BUCK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK,2021-01-12,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 12, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ISSUES STATEMENT CONDEMNING VIOLENT BEHAVIOR AT BUCK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement condemning the recent violence at Buck Island National Park:

“I am disturbed and gravely concerned about the disorderly and violent behavior that has been seen in a number of instances at the Buck Island National Park. This past weekend’s incident is an example of increasing problems on our beloved Buck Island. These careless and irresponsible acts of violence committed by a few have the potential to endanger the rights and privileges of our entire community. Buck Island is federal property and its isolation inhibits easy access to support for those injured.

“Our free and uninhibited access as Virgin Islanders to the Buck Island National Park is a right that many individuals in the Virgin Islands generally, and on St. Croix particularly, have fought long for and our office has maintained pressure and done much hard work to keep that birthright.

“The lack of concern for families, individuals, and especially children by the behavior of a few on Buck Island is disappointing and the violence seen recently is appalling and dishonors the work that we have done to ensure that this national treasure remains our local treasure; and not just for us today but for the generations that will come after us.

This week, I and my team will be meeting with Governor Bryan, our federal partners and local law-enforcement about ways to ensure the safety of Virgin Islanders and our visitors at Buck Island. Our office will not tolerate a few people destroying the opportunity and access that we have to enjoy the jewel that is the Buck Island National Park.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:07Z
https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3729,CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT  STATEMENT ON DEATH OF CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER BRIAN SICKNICK,2021-01-08,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 08, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON DEATH OF CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER BRIAN SICKNICK

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement on the death of Officer Brian Sicknick, a twelve-year veteran of the U.S. Capitol Police, who died following the assault on the Capitol on Wednesday:

“On behalf of my family, my staff and the House of Representatives, I want to extend my condolences to the family and loved ones of Officer Brian Sicknick, who died after defending the Capitol complex and protecting those who serve and work here.

“This tragic loss should remind all of us of the bravery of the law enforcement officers who protected us, our colleagues, Congressional staff, the press corps, and other essential workers on Wednesday.

“To honor Officer Sicknick’s memory, we must ensure that the mob who attacked the People’s House and those who instigated them are held fully accountable.”

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https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3727,STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT REGARDING THE JANUARY 6TH STORMING OF THE CAPITOL,2021-01-07,2021,2021-01,Democrat,House,VI,Stacey E. Plaskett,P000610,plaskett.house.gov,plaskett,https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

January 7, 2021 202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT REGARDING THE JANUARY 6TH STORMING OF THE CAPITOL

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the January 6th storming of the Capitol:

“History will forever regard January 6, 2021, as a dark and disappointing day in American history. On this day our constitutional process and democracy were attacked from within, in an unprecedented attempt to subvert the will of the American people.

“The storming of the United States Capitol, the trampling underfoot and desecration of the halls of Congress this afternoon was a criminal act.. I am demanding that this attempted coup d’état of criminals engaged in domestic terrorism will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

“I am grateful to those members of law enforcement who bravely attempted protected myself, my colleagues, staff, press, and others present. The disrespect and hostility these officers faced protecting the Capitol and the People’s representatives are inexcusable. The strategy or lack of strategy executed by Capitol Police leadership must be reviewed.

“The irony of peaceful protestors being tear-gassed at the direction of Trump over this summer and his supports teargassing those in the Capitol this evening is not lost on me. Neither should be lost on us the juxtaposition of the beauty of Americans in Georgia voting into the US Senate the Jewish son of an immigrant and the black son of the southern soil to be Senators while ugly elements of Trump supporters attempt to destroy the very chambers those newly elected Senators are being sent to work .

“In this country governed by the people and formed in objection to tyranny, there is no place for the autocratic tendencies we have witnessed. The violent and threatening acts of an incensed few will not stop Congress from fulfilling our sworn constitutional duty. Congress will certify the legitimate election of President-elect Joseph Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. It is the law, and none of us are above it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:35:07Z