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.
Congratulations, Miss ASCC!
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!”
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.
Group photo
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
Ms. Deborah Vaiotu – Tafuna High School
Mr. Talanoa Lagafuaina – Tafuna High School
Mr. Talanoa Lagafuaina – Tafuna High School
“Motherhood”
Motherhood
“Grandfather”
Grandfather
“Pale Fuiono”
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
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.
TheFull-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.
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.”
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.
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 118th 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.
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.
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.”
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
NEW YORK, NY— Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in response to Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
“At its inception, the Department of Education was created to ensure equal access to educational opportunities for all students by providing federal support and oversight to remove barriers to equitable access to learning and achievement, and abolishing it requires an Act of Congress,” said Rep. Espaillat.
“Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education is not only an attack on K-12 schools and higher education, but is an attack on education programs including the Federal Pell Grants and student loan programs that have helped bolster our communities and support families for generations. Without this federal support, millions of students are put at risk. Dismantling this federal agency will put equal access to quality education in jeopardy by increasing existing disparities and reducing accountability to support vulnerable students, including minority youth, persons with disabilities, and English Language Learners (ELLs). Additionally, these actions by the Trump Administration will shrink job opportunities and growth of the national workforce, weaken our global competitiveness, and create undesirable conditions for teachers, students and families around the nation.
“Education has served as the backbone of our country for generations. We will challenge these actions by Donald Trump and Elon Musk in the courts and do all that it takes to ensure this vital federal support for educational institutions, teachers, students, and their families remains intact. The future of our nation depends on it.”
# # #
Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online athttps://espaillat.house.gov/.
NEW YORK, NY —This weekend, Saturday, March 15th at 1:00 p.m. (EDT), Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), in collaboration with local advocates, will hold a virtual forum for families impacted by Trump Administration cuts to the U.S. Department of Education.
During the virtual forum, Rep. Espaillat will present an overview of his legislative actions to combat these challenges, and constituents will have the opportunity to hear from local representatives and advocates regarding available resources and support to impacted families.
This latest forum is a continuation of Espaillat’s series of informative virtual and in-person events held throughout New York’s 13th congressional district in direct response to policy proposals from the Trump administration.
WHO: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) Carolina Rodriguez, Esq. Director, Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) Viviann Anguiano, Former Director of Education, The White House Domestic Policy Council, and senior fellow, Century Foundation Dr. Marie Guillaume, Principal, HS for Energy and Technology Christopher E. Barto, Monroe University
WHAT: Virtual Department of Education Forum for Families
WHEN: Saturday, March 15th at 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (EDT)
Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.