Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. — On Monday, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata Radewagen of American Samoa along with sponsor Representative Mike Ezell (R-MS-04), and other original cosponsors Reps. Bonamici (D-OR-01), Weber (R-TX-14), Dingell (R-MI-06), and David (D-IL-07), introduced legislation to reauthorize the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) for the next five fiscal years, maintaining its authorized funding level at $56 million annually. The bill ensures continued support for critical ocean monitoring efforts that benefit coastal communities, fisheries, and maritime industries.

“In American Samoa, we depend on the science of ocean observations for important data, such as wave measurements, leading to better services and decision-making in development or storm readiness. Quality IOOS data is important to all U.S. coastlines and all the U.S. territories,” said Congresswoman Amata. “We have a buoy that gathers ocean information that is specially named in memory of longtime Port Director Chris King, who served American Samoa for many years.”

“IOOS is essential to keeping coastal economies strong and resilient, especially in Mississippi,” Ezell said. “This reauthorization ensures we maintain vital ocean monitoring resources while modernizing the program to maximize its impact. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to support jobs, commerce, and our nation’s leadership in ocean science.”

 “Ensuring we have accurate and up to date ocean monitoring data is vitally important for coastal communities and the great lakes,” Chairman Westerman said. “Reauthorizing the IOOS will help us continue to support healthy fisheries, boost maritime commerce, support the United States’ coastal communities and make informed decisions for various maritime operations. I’d like to thank Congressman Ezell for his work on this important legislation.”

 “In Michigan, the Great Lakes are central to our way of life and protecting them is personal to many of us,” Dingell said. “This bill reauthorizes the United States Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), which oversees the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) that is headquartered in Ann Arbor. GLOS provides vital data for public health, safety, ecosystem monitoring, weather, and maritime operations. Reauthorizing this critical system will culminate into improved safety, boosts in the economy, and promote a cleaner environment, benefiting everyone.”

 “Access to accurate data and monitoring is essential for Oregonians on the North Coast, for coastal communities everywhere, and for the entire Great Lakes region,” Bonamici said. “The high quality tools and forecasts from NOAA’s Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) help people make informed decisions that protect people’s lives and livelihoods as well as the environment. This data supports secure shipping supply chains, sustainable fisheries, and research to understand how changes in the ocean and Great Lakes affect our daily lives. I’m grateful to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to update and improve the IOOS System.”

 “Sustained ocean observations provide the information we need for a strong maritime economy, public safety, and national security. The Integrated Ocean Observing System authorization creates a public-private partnership that provides freely accessible information to meet the tailored needs of local and regional ocean and Great Lakes users while simultaneously generating data that fortifies our national models and forecasts and supports the missions of all the ocean-related agencies” – Kristen Yarincik, IOOS Association Executive Director

 “While coastal residents may not always realize it, data collected and disseminated by GCOOS and the nation’s 10 other IOOS regional associations impact their lives in large and small ways almost every day. The data we and our partners collect and disseminate are crucial for things such as predicting hurricane and tropical storm intensification, supporting a safe offshore energy industry, supporting safe ship navigation within ports, and even keeping people safe from toxic algal blooms. Through the ICOOS Act, associations like GCOOS can develop these regional public-private partnerships that minimize cost while maximizing data collection and dissemination for the public benefit.” – Jorge Brenner, Executive Director of the Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS)

 “NANOOS hears from Oregon and Washington residents who depend on our reliable delivery of data, information products, and forecasts to help them make decisions affecting their safety and livelihoods. We must sustain IOOS as a national, regionally-distributed, partnership because it is trusted, cost-effective, and needed. Fishermen stress it helps them plan safe journeys, shellfish growers cite its value to their ability to maintain seafood competitiveness, managers rely on our forecasts to protect human health from harmful algal blooms while not hampering coastal economies, and planners and residents alike rave about the utility of tsunami preparedness information on their phones. ” – Jan Newton, Executive Director of the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing System (NANOOS)

 The IOOS Reauthorization Act of 2025 includes important updates to improve the program’s effectiveness, including:

• Clarifying the type of data IOOS provides as operational oceanographic information;
• Updating statutory references to reflect current law by replacing the National Ocean Research Leadership Council with the Ocean Policy Committee;
• Enhancing the role of the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to ensure IOOS is used to its full capacity as an integrated system.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

 Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming the return of the Miss ASCC pageant for the first time since 2019, and is congratulating the winner and all three finalists who made Saturday a success. 

 The new Miss ASCC is Lolomaletaiotumua Faolui of Nu’uuli and Leone; 1st Runner Up is Glorious Tuigamala-Lisala of Leone and others; and 2nd Runner Up is Anastasia Leutele of Fagaitua.

 As announced by ASCC, under the college’s leadership of Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato, the pageant was due to the efforts of the ASCC Student Government Association (SGA), led by SGA Coordinator Ms. Falaileato Suiaunoa, with many others using their time and abilities to make a great event. The theme was Popo’ e i lau Gagana, Popona i lou Fa’asinomaga.

 “Thank you to each of these talented young women for their joy and all the hard work and planning they put into this event,” said Congresswoman Amata. “They reflect well on American Samoa Community College and I know they had great support from students and educators and the community that showed up to cheer them on. I am happy that the pageant is back as it contributes to the traditions and opportunities at ASCC, and I know our Miss ASCC will do a wonderful job with her duties. I know these contestants made their friends and family proud, as each of their five categories was impressive, and all those taking part in the event did so well. I want to join in the chorus of people saying congratulations, especially to our Miss ASCC Lolomaletaiotumua!”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is delighted to congratulate the winners of the Malofie Congressional Art Competition for this year, and express appreciation to all the participating students, their teachers, this year’s expert judges, and the sponsors that make this opportunity possible for our students.

This year’s first-place winner is Deborah Vaiotu of Tafuna High School for her beautiful art titled “Motherhood.” This first-place art will be displayed for a year at the U.S. Capitol! She has also won a trip to Washington, D.C. to join all the other winners from the other congressional districts.

Congratulations also to Talanoa Lagafuaina of Tafuna High School, who is both second-place and third-place winner, with his art titled “Grandfather” and “Pale Fuiono.” Talanoa earned the DC trip last year, and shared his experience with the assembled art students.

“I am thrilled to congratulate the winners, and this entire group of 25 wonderful efforts!” said Congresswoman Amata. “I am delighted Congress can take part in promoting art in this way, but the event is made possible by our local generous sponsors and the time of our local artist judges and American Samoa’s educators.”

“I will enjoy seeing this beautiful first-place art displayed in the U.S. Capitol where thousands of people might see it in just one busy week in Washington. I’m so proud of the quality and effort and creativity of this year’s entire group, and every single one deserves praise.”

Each year, Congresswoman Amata and her local office work in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Education to select the top three standouts, and determine one to represent American Samoa in Washington. Any of American Samoa’s public and private high schools are invited to send entries for the competition.

Each participant will receive a plaque from Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, and received various prizes from sponsors. Congresswoman Amata extends her warmest fa’afetai to the many businesses and individuals who donated and helped make this year’s Congressional Art Competition special for the students.

 

Winners for the Congressional Arts Competition

1. Ms. Deborah Vaiotu – Tafuna High School

2. Mr. Talanoa Lagafuaina – Tafuna High School

3. Mr. Talanoa Lagafuaina – Tafuna High School

 

 

“Motherhood” 

 

“Grandfather” 

 

“Pale Fuiono” 

 

Congressional Malofie Arts Competition 2025

Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula & Lt. Governor High Chief Pulu Ae Ae Jr

Director Maefau Dr. Mary Taufete’e – Department of Education

Executive Director Ms. Marion Mageo of the Jean P Haydon Museum

 

Judges

Executive Director Mr. Ammon Fepulea’i – Department of American Samoa Arts Council

Mr. Trevor Kaituu – Local Artist & Coral Reef Education and Outreach Coordinator

OCI Program Director Mr. Voloti Malietoa – Art Department for DOE

 

Award Presenters

Governor’s Chief of Staff, Taito Ali’itasi Afuola-Mauga

Congresswoman’s District Director Uta Dr. Laloulu Tagoilelagi

 

 

Manumalo Baptist Academy

Director Mr. Papaalii Laulii Alofa

Instructor: Ms. Pearl Mendoza

 

Student

Rachael Park

 

Pacific Horizon School

Director Ms. Veronica Sooto

Instructor Ms. Cassandra Garcia

 

Student

Mikaela Ruth Dane

 

Tafuna High School

Principal Mrs. Tutuila Togilau

Art Instructor: Mr. Raymond Keleti

 

Students

Hina Tuinei

Namelia Leokina Paulo

Deborah Vaiotu

Helen Ah Ping

Talanoa Lagafuaina

 

  

Leone High School

Principal Mr. Patrick Danielson

Art Instructor: Mr. Tony Esau

 

Students

Mathew Vui

Logoipulotu Ape

Isileli Taliauli

Princess Vaoga

Evaselita Tevita

Taliloa Ioselani

Heilala Ikuvalu

Faatili Taofinu’u

Tauiai Sooalo

Felix Kuresa

 

 

Samoana High School

Principal Jemima Te’o

Art Instructor: Mr. Barry Patane

 

Students

Vaelani Junior Vaiuta

Baja Schuster

Polito Tatupu

Asherayne J Romero

Stephen Lee

Fiatamalii Esera

 

 

2025 Sponsors

Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines, CEO Mr. Joe Spraque

Starkist Company, CEO Mr. Eunhong (Edward) Min

American Samoa McDonalds, President Tautolo Charlie Tautolo & CEO Mrs. Dolores Tautolo-Galeai

Pago Pago Trading Company, President Mrs. Ella Gurr

Manu’a Store, Mr. Genhall & Mrs. Michelle Chen

American Samoa Telecommunications Authority ( ASTCA), CEO Mr. Chuck Leota

All Star Signs & Graphics, Mr. Case & Mrs. Tuai Mua

Island Business Center, CEO Tuala Kennedy Nofoagatotoa

Mrs. Gingerlei Lady Masina

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming Senate passage of the government funding bill that was passed by the House on Tuesday. This legislation funds the government through the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2025, avoiding a shutdown. 

The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, H.R. 1968, will be sent to President Trump to sign into law, keeping current discretionary spending levels for the next six months, which completes the fiscal year. 

“I’m pleased to see a shutdown avoided,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Federal funding is important to American Samoa, and this action ensures there is no gap in funding and provides certainty. Medicaid support and military pay are two factors that are very important to our people. This year’s historic pay raise for our enlisted Service Members is now appropriated by the Congress for these months.”

This bill appropriates the largest pay increase for junior enlisted Service Members in 40 years, which the Congress had already authorized in the most recent National Defense Authorization Act. It also provides a $500 million boost to WIC, which is federal support through the USDA for Women, Infants and Children. In another key addition, the bill increases funding for air traffic control safety efforts. It boosts Veterans health care by $6 billion to prevent a shortfall, adds $330 million to fund pay raises for wildland firefighters, and bolsters HUD funding by $4.5 billion for low-income families’ assistance. It further boosts Defense funding and invests in shipbuilding, and upholds Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other critical services.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis is that the bill provides $1.6 trillion of total base discretionary spending for the remaining part-year time frame, with $893 billion for defense and $708 billion for nondefense programs, which is above FY 2024 spending for the full year.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland
March 13, 2025                                                           202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S PROPOSED PORT FEES AT U.S. PORTS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett shared the following statement on the proposed imposition of punitive service fees and restrictions on shipping companies that could skyrocket costs for Americans, and exponentially for island locations like the Virgin Islands:

“I am deeply concerned by the Trump Administration’s U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) proposed actions to impose significant port fees on maritime transport operators with fleets comprised of Chinese-built vessels. If implemented, the proposed action will have far reaching economic consequences throughout the United States, including increased shipping costs and shipping delays. I am particularly concerned for coastal and island communities, including the Virgin Islands, where the imposition of these punitive measures will skyrocket costs of food and other everyday items that must be imported by the maritime industry.

“I am working with the Virgin Islands maritime industry to track the implications of USTR’s proposal on ship owners, operators, and builders. Under this proposal, transport operators with fleets comprised of Chinese-built vessels will be charged up to $1.5 million per vessel entrance to an American port, as well as an ‘additional fee’ of up to $1 million per vessel entrance to an American port if the number of foreign-built vessels in the operator’s fleet is equal to or greater than 25 percent. Even vessels under the U.S. flag, operated and owned by a U.S. entity that are Chinese-built would be subject to the fees in USTR’s proposal.

“The impacts will be felt across most industries, given the role ocean transportation plays in virtually all supply chains. American businesses and consumers will be hit with price increases at the grocery store, the gas station, and the hardware store. The Virgin Islands will be disproportionately impacted, given our reliance on the maritime industry to import essential products. The price increases will be directly passed on to consumers in the Virgin Islands, and across our nation. If imposed, USTR’s proposal will have drastic consequences on Americans.

“My office has been working with the shipping industry and members of Congress, particularly in those areas that have large shipping industries and primarily rely on maritime commerce. We are urging the Trump Administration to heed the feedback of elected officials, the maritime industry, and stakeholders before imposing these actions that will have radically negative consequences for our corner of the American experience. I will continue to collaborate in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues, stakeholders, and the Virgin Islands community to advance the interests of the Virgin Islands.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland
March 6, 2025                                                           202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

PLASKETT REINTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP SMALL PORTS ACCESS INFRASTRUCTURE LOANS AND GRANTS

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (D-VI-AL) and her colleague, Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL-1), reintroduced bipartisan legislation which requires the Department of Agriculture to give federal funding priority to projects for small ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and nationwide, to improve broadband internet coverage.

“The Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act recognizes the importance of small ports to their rural economies as hubs for commerce, tourism and community development. In rural, coastal areas, people congregate near inland and small ports. These harbors act as key economic engines for not just their local communities but their broader regions. This bill helps small ports nationwide obtain federal grants and loans to improve their broadband internet coverage, enables working waterfronts to keep pace with the needs of 21st century trade and improves workplace safety. Increased broadband internet coverage gives small ports a better chance to compete in an ever-changing marketplace and better serve the communities that depend on them,” stated Congresswoman Plaskett.

Congressman Moore shared, “Rural communities across the nation continue to deal with a lack of high-speed internet access. In Alabama, this lack of access extends to our small ports. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Plaskett to bring access to federal assistance through the Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act, which will improve broadband coverage for the centers of economic activity in our nation, our small and rural ports.”

Congresswoman Plaskett also stated, “In rural, coastal areas, these harbors act as hubs for commerce and tourism. I am thankful to my colleague, Congressman Barry Moore, for his partnership in leading this legislation which will support small ports nationwide get federal loans and grants and improve their broadband coverage, thereby enabling working-waterfronts to order inventory and coordinate deliveries, access real-time weather updates and grow economically. The reintroduction of this bill is one step in the legislative process. Legislation does not become law until passed by the House, passed by the Senate, then signed by the President. I am hopeful this measure will be considered by the full House in short order, and my team and I will be working to have companion measures considered by the Senate.”

Background:

Broadband loan and grant applications submitted to the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utility Service (RUS) are assigned different levels of priority before they are awarded. This bill recognizes the importance of small ports to their rural economies, and elevates the priority of applications seeking to boost broadband internet capacity for small ports transiting less than 1 million tons of cargo annually. Broadband loan and grant applications from small ports will be considered equal in priority to applications that are developed with the participation of a non-profit or philanthropic organization. In rural America, small ports often support communities as well as improve commerce and safety. Broadband internet is equally valuable for coastal fishing communities and inland barge grain-shipments. Additionally, Army Corp dredging activities can use local broadband to operate with greater precision and efficiency.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland
February 28, 2025                                                           202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

PLASKETT REINTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH TRANS-ATLANTIC SUBMARINE FIBER OPTIC TABLE LEGISLATION

St. Croix, USVI – This week, Congresswoman Plaskett (D-VI-AL) and her Republican colleague, Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-ID-1) reintroduced legislation to request an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of developing a Trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable which will connect the East coast of the United States, via the United States Virgin Islands, with Nigeria and Ghana.    

“I am pleased to reintroduce legislation known as the ‘DiasporaLink Act’ with my colleague, Congressman Fulcher. This bill represents an opportunity to establish high-speed Internet connection to Africa and throughout the Caribbean from American soil, which will enhance America’s national security data and communication interests in the regions. In the legislation, this Trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable will intersect in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  The DiasporaLink Act is envisioned as both a national security instrument and a digital commerce expressway to boost America’s global, political, economic, and military advantages and influences. This act will ensure the region is not forgotten as it confronts increasing regional political instability and transnational criminal activity,” stated Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett.

Congressman Russ Fulcher shared, “The DiasporaLink Act, H.R. 1737, will give the U.S. access to the necessary insights to address counterterrorism and inform AFRICOM on critical strategic matters. Undersea cables to carry critical data between the U.S. and Africa represent a vital link between the strategic location of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the continent of Africa.”

“Thank you to Congressman Fulcher for his continued support of this legislation as well as Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D – New Jersey) and Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Brett Guthrie (R – Kentucky) for their stewardship of this initiative. The reintroduction of this bill is one step in the legislative process. Legislation does not become law until passed by the House, passed by the Senate, then signed by the President. I am hopeful this measure will be considered by the full House in short order, and my team and I will be working to have companion measures considered by the Senate,” shared Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.

Background:

Presently, there is no direct fiber optic link between the US and the continent of Africa. Africa is increasingly an area that presents dynamic economic opportunity for our country as well as national security challenges that must be addressed. The Virgin Islands is strategically positioned in the transit zones to fight transnational crime and protect U.S. national and regional security in the Caribbean as well as be a safe hub for optic between the 2 continents. The Trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable network’s strategic location makes DiasporaLink a “Digital Safe Harbor” under the U.S. flag. This service will provide African and Caribbean submarine operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) a clear channel to U.S. financial and business centers. In addition, undersea cables have significant strategic importance and an estimated 400 of them carry approximately 98 percent of international internet data as well as telephone traffic around the world. Many are owned and operated by U.S. companies — helping reinforce U.S. dominance over the internet while giving a sense of security to the U.S. and its allies that may be concerned about sabotage or surveillance.  Having the hub in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a significant 21st century paradigm shift; it allows our islands’ advantages, many of which have been used for the benefit of other world powers (i.e. the VI’s geostrategic location), to be utilized for the benefit of our people.  DiasporaLink in the USVI will make it a hub for commerce in the global digital economy and will stimulate high tech job opportunities for Virgin Islanders and attract digital users to the territory.

In the 118^th Congress, this legislation passed through the House Energy & Commerce Committee with unanimous support, passed the House of Representatives and was sent on to the Senate.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland 
February 14, 2025                                                           202-808-6129 

PRESS RELEASE   

PLASKETT CO-LEADS LEGISLATION WITH REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN TO INCREASE RUM COVER OVER 

St. Croix, USVI – This week, Congresswoman Plaskett (D-VI-AL) and her Republican colleague, Congressman Ron Estes (R-KS-4), introduced bipartisan legislation to increase the ‘rum cover over’ which is the amount of money transferred to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico from the rebate of federal excise taxes on distilled spirits produced in or imported into the rest of the United States from the two U.S. territories.

The rum cover over is one of the primary funding sources to promote economic development and create jobs in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. After Hurricanes Irma and Maria, thanks to Congresswoman Plaskett’s and former Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón’s advocacy, Congress passed a 5-year increase of the cover over to $13.25, from $10.50, in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123), which is the public law that gave the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico the unprecedented funding to rebuild the territories. The temporary increase expired in December of 2021. The legislation being introduced by Congressman Estes and co-led by Congresswoman Plaskett will increase the cover over rate to $13.25 until 2032, and the additional funds for the $13.25 rate will be given retroactively to the Virgin Islands Government.

“The cover-over has been a fundamental part of the tax relationship between the United States and its territories going back over a century,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “These funds, which represent nearly 25% of the Virgin Islands Government’s annual budget, are critical for stabilizing the government employees’ pension program, supporting infrastructure projects, and attracting investments to diversify the economy beyond tourism. I am thankful to my colleague, Congressman Ron Estes (R-KS), for co-leading this vital legislation that supports the Virgin Islands economy and our constituents. 
 
Congresswoman Plaskett went on to share, “I would like to thank Senate President Milton Potter and Senators Novelle Francis, Marvin Blyden and Kurt Vialet, as well as GERS Administrator Angel Dawson and Chairman Dwane Callwood for coming to Washington, D.C. this week. We had the opportunity to meet with my Republican and Democrat colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee, Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives, and lobbyists from the rum industry. Our collective advocacy is paramount for policies that will advance the Virgin Islands.

“In 2025, many of the temporary provisions enacted under President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will expire. The introduction of this bill is one step in the legislative process, but it is no secret that there will be challenges to crafting this year’s tax bill. Ongoing Republican negotiations have outlined a maximum 10-year time frame for tax extenders. In order to comply with these parameters, this legislation will apply, retroactively, from 2022 and extend through 2032. In my role on the Ways and Means and Budget Committees, I will continue to work with my Republican and Democrat colleagues to advocate for the increased rum cover over rate, which is crucial to maintaining the long-term stability and economic growth of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Background:

Under current law, excise tax collections on imported rum are transferred to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands at the rate of $13.25 per proof gallon; $10.50 per proof gallon is in permanent law, and the remaining $2.75 per proof gallon requires periodic reauthorization by Congress. This legislation would amend Section 7652 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, making $13.25 per proof gallon the amount covered over by law until 2032, enhancing long-term sustainable economic growth in the two U.S. territories.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland
February 13, 2025                                                           202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

PLASKETT HOSTS MEMBERS OF THE 36TH LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM REPRESENTATIVES IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Washington, DC – This week, Congresswoman Plaskett (D-VI) hosted members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands and several representatives from the Virgin Islands Government Employees’ Retirement System in Washington, D.C. for multiple meetings with Members and professional staff of the Ways and Means Committee as well as Democratic Caucus leadership.

“I was pleased to welcome Senate President Milton Potter and Senators Novelle Francis, Marvin Blyden and Kurt Vialet, along with GERS Administrator Angel Dawson and Chairman Dwane Callwood to Washington this week,” shared Congresswoman Plaskett. “We had the opportunity to engage with Ways and Means Committee Members and their staff on the unique tax and revenue issues of the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2025, many of the temporary provisions enacted under President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will expire. Issues of the rum cover-over, excise taxes, customs, tax incentive programs, and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program are all within the jurisdiction of Ways and Means.

“I would like to thank both my Democratic and Republican colleagues for taking the time to hear firsthand about the impacts of federal policy decisions on our community. I also would like to express my gratitude to the Members of the 36th Legislature and the GERS Administrator and Chairman who joined me and my team in Washington, to collectively advocate for policies that will advance the Virgin Islands. I look forward to our continued collaboration on this matter.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

Donald Trump’s Executive Order Will Have Significant Negative Consequences for Students, Teachers, and Families