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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on PBS NewsHour, where he reiterated that Democrats will not provide any additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security without bold, transformational and meaningful changes in the law that protect the American people from their out-of-control behavior.

AMNA NAWAZ: Leader Jeffries, welcome back to the NewsHour. Thanks for joining us.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Great to be with you.

AMNA NAWAZ: So without a funding deal now, we’re in day three of another partial government shutdown. We know Congress is out all week. So does that mean that a shutdown is going to last at least that long?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, as Democrats, we continue to be ready, willing, and able to sit down with our Republican colleagues any time, any place, in order to make sure that we can get ICE under control. The American people deserve to have their taxpayer dollars used to make their life more affordable and not to brutalize or kill them, as was tragically the case with Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. And we simply believe, as a value proposition, that immigration enforcement in this country, it should be fair, it should be just and it should be humane. Donald Trump promised to target violent felons who are here illegally. Instead, ICE has been targeting law-abiding immigrant families and brutalizing American communities. That’s unacceptable, and that needs to change.

AMNA NAWAZ: In terms of where talks are to get to some kind of deal, though, we know Democrats put forward a list of demands last week. We saw a senior White House official on Thursday say that Democrats have rejected what they call their latest counter proposal. So for folks who are already out there working without pay right now, what can you tell them about how much closer you are to a deal today compared to last week?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s very unfortunate that Republicans have decided that they would prefer to shut down FEMA, shut down the Coast Guard, and shut down TSA as opposed to actually getting ICE under control, reining them in because the American people know they have gone too far and ensure that ICE and CBP behave like every other law enforcement agency in the country. That’s the objective that we are trying to achieve. Now, there are several things, common sense, strong proposals that we’ve put on the table that, to date, Republicans have rejected, including a requirement that judicial warrants be obtained before ICE agents can storm the homes of the American people or private property. We also believe that ICE agents, of course, should be trained, should have an excessive use of force policy that they adhere to, and that they shouldn’t be able to target sensitive locations like schools and hospitals, houses of worship and polling sites. And we finally believe, of course, in terms of some of the topline demands that we’ve made, is that there should be independent investigations whenever it is the case that ICE agents or CBP agents break state and local law.

AMNA NAWAZ: We’ve reported extensively on—I know that the Democrats demands in this case, but are you any closer to a deal? Have you talked to the White House in the last three days?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I haven’t had direct conversation with the White House. My understanding, Donald Trump was down in Florida on the golf course yesterday, which is exactly what we saw from the President during the 43-day Trump Republican shutdown, a lack of seriousness as it relates to direct engagement between House Democrats and Senate Democrats. And as I’ve indicated, though there are staff-to-staff conversations, there have not been any principal-level discussions to date, either with the White House or with House and Senate Republican leaders.

AMNA NAWAZ: I’m going to put to you what your fellow Democrat, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, has said about where things are. He pointed out the shutdown really is not going to have an impact on ICE. We saw a huge influx of funding from that so-called Big Beautiful Bill. He said what it’s really doing, as you pointed out, too, is forcing TSA workers to work without pay. FEMA could also be affected. So if ICE reforms are what you want to see here, how does a shutdown that doesn’t really affect the agency get you there?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, first of all, we have until the end of the month to make sure that TSA agents don’t miss a single paycheck and that is our commitment as Democrats and we need, of course, Republicans to join us, with respect to TSA, along with the Coast Guard and FEMA, the other agencies that are part of the Department of Homeland Security. John Fetterman, of course, he knows that the One Big Ugly Bill, which every single Democrat in the House and the Senate voted against, was an egregious piece of legislation that both ripped away Medicaid from about 14 million Americans, a trillion dollar cut to Medicaid, the largest in American history, it stole food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans with a $186 billion dollar cut to SNAP, which also happens to be the largest in American history and then used that money to provide massive tax breaks to the GOP’s billionaire donors and to create this $75 billion slush fund for untrained and masked ICE agents to be violently unleashed in American communities. So yes, we do have to address the dynamics related to the One Big Ugly Bill. But at this moment, in the context of the appropriations battle that is in front of us, we have an opportunity to make bold, transformational and meaningful changes in the law that will actually immediately impact how ICE agents are permitted to conduct themselves.

AMNA NAWAZ: That’s House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joining us today. Leader Jeffries, thank you. Good to speak with you.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Full interview can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative John R Carter (R-TX-31)

Congressman John Carter Announces New VA Outpatient Clinic Serving Copperas Cove and Killeen Area

Copperas Cove, TX – Congressman John Carter (TX-31) joined the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to announce a major expansion of healthcare access for Central Texas veterans with the establishment of a new VA outpatient clinic serving the Copperas Cove and Killeen region.

Located just five miles from Fort Hood, the new clinic will bring VA healthcare closer to home for thousands of veterans across Central Texas.

The facility will serve a regional veteran population approaching 200,000, including many who served at Fort Cavazos and chose to remain in the region after their military service. The clinic will reduce drive times, expand access to mental health and outpatient specialty services, and improve appointment availability for veterans and their families.

The project reflects a strong partnership between Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to strengthen outpatient care capacity in Central Texas while supporting one of the largest veteran populations in the nation. The development and operation of the clinic is also expected to create more than 500 jobs.

“This clinic brings care closer to home for the veterans who served our nation,” said Congressman Carter. “It reduces drive time, expands access to critical services, and strengthens support for the military and retiree community in Central Texas.”

“After our men and women in uniform complete their service, we must continue to serve them as veterans,” said Congressman Pfluger. “Killeen is the center of Texas military might and it’s time we match that need. This new VA clinic offers our local veterans quicker access to quality care, and is a major win for the community. I was proud to help bring this VA to Killeen, and I applaud my friend Judge Carter for his partnership and leadership in making it happen.”

“The brave men and women who defended our nation in uniform deserve the highest quality health care,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The new VA Outpatient Clinic in Copperas Cove will ensure veterans in Central Texas have access to the medical care they need. I was proud to support the creation of this clinic alongside my colleague, Congressman John Carter, and I look forward to seeing how it serves our veterans for years to come.”

“VA has opened more than two dozen new health care facilities during the second Trump Administration, and this proposed clinic underscores President Trump’s steadfast commitment to bringing more care to Veterans closer to home,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.

The new outpatient clinic represents a continued commitment to ensuring veterans in the Copperas Cove and Killeen area receive timely, accessible, and high-quality care.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) delivered $850,000 in Community Project Funding to Camden County College. The funding will be used to renovate and expand a facility that will house a new electric and hybrid vehicle technician training program.  

With New Jersey projected to welcome over 2 million electric vehicles to our roadways by 2035, this funding will help ensure Camden County College has an adequate space to accommodate the expansion of the electric vehicle training program and meet OSHA safety requirements.    

“I’m honored to deliver $850,000 in community project funding to help renovate and expand Camden County College’s electric vehicle training facility,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “Electric vehicles are the future, and South Jersey is ready to lead in preparing the next generation of career-ready EV technicians. Fixing cars today is not the same as it was when I was a kid, and we must ensure students are fully equipped to master the technology behind EVs. As a union electrician, I know that bolstering this program will open the door to strong, good-paying jobs, and will put more people on the path to a successful career.” 

“We appreciate Congressman Donald Norcross for his continued partnership with Camden County College,” said Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, President of Camden County College. “This funding positions our college at the forefront of automotive innovation by expanding our facility and equipping students with cutting-edge skills to lead the future of electric vehicle technology.” 

“This funding is an investment in the future for our students, their careers and the future of clean, eco-friendly transportation,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Nash. “On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, we are grateful for Congressman Norcross’ advocacy and support that has ensured Camden County College will be on the forefront of automotive innovation in our region for years to come turning out the best mechanics with right skillsets for 21st century vehicles.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) released a statement on the ICE operations in Lindenwold. 

“I am outraged by reports coming out about the ICE operation in Lindenwold yesterday. Their tactics and lack of transparency have instilled fear in the community and have put children in harm’s way. Schoolchildren are not criminals, and enforcement actions must reflect that.  

“It is extremely concerning that 911 was called. No federal agency is above the law and any effort to undermine constitutional rights or mislead law enforcement erodes public trust. There must be real accountability.  

“I am pushing for reforms, including body cameras for ICE agents, pursuing the impeachment of Secretary Kristi Noem, and rebuilding ICE so it operates transparently, lawfully, and with respect for civil rights. Let me be clear: our community will not be terrorized, and we will keep fighting to protect our neighborhoods.” 

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
February 15, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MEETS WITH VIRGIN ISLANDS BOARD OF EDUCATION TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR EDUCATION

WASHINGTON, DC — In February of 2026, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett met with the Virgin Islands Board of Education to discuss the impact of recently enacted federal funding cuts on education in our territory.

The meeting focused on P.L. 119-21, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which threatens essential programs and services that thousands of Virgin Islands families depend on every single day.

The budget reconciliation law cuts more than $840 billion from Medicaid and $300 billion from SNAP nationwide—programs that directly determine eligibility for free school meals. Fewer children will qualify for Medicaid and SNAP, putting the Virgin Islands’ universal free school lunch program at risk. As fewer children qualify for these programs, our schools risk losing Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) eligibility—jeopardizing free meals for all students at a time when nearly 40% of Virgin Islands households face food insecurity.

The Virgin Islands Department of Education currently manages $115.5 million in federal grants, including funding from the U.S. Department of Education for programs like the Consolidated Grant, Special Education (IDEA), and Adult Education. Nearly $29.4 million comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for nutrition programs including the National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Services Program, and Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program—which also support local farms and producers.

“This is about understanding what is coming and preparing our community,” Congresswoman Plaskett said. “This law affects millions of children nationwide, and the Virgin Islands will feel these cuts deeply. When funding for school meals is cut, children lose their ability to focus in the classroom. When SNAP benefits are reduced, families face impossible choices between feeding their children and paying rent. As these changes take effect, no child in the Virgin Islands should go to school hungry, and no family should face these choices alone. We must work together—parents, educators, leaders, and our community—to navigate this reality and protect our children through the challenges ahead.”

“The Virgin Islands already operates under different federal funding formulas than the states,” said Dr. Kyza Callwood, Virgin Islands Board of Education Chairman. “We have less flexibility, fewer resources, and higher costs. When Washington cuts education and nutrition funding, Virgin Islands children go hungry. When they change SNAP eligibility, Virgin Islands families lose the ability to feed themselves. We cannot and will not accept that.”

The urgency is compounded by the Trump administration’s sweeping executive actions targeting schools nationwide—launching hundreds of investigations, freezing billions in federal grants, and dismantling the Department of Education itself. Half the Department’s workforce has been fired or departed, and the Office for Civil Rights now dismisses approximately 90% of discrimination complaints without investigation—up from 49% in 2010-2011. These executive actions, combined with the enacted budget cuts, create unprecedented uncertainty for schools and families across the country.

During the meeting, Congresswoman Plaskett and the Virgin Islands Board of Education emphasized the critical importance of parents, students, educators, and community leaders staying informed, advocating boldly, and standing together to protect children and families as these changes take effect.

“This is a defining moment,” Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. “When parents, teachers, students, and leaders move together with purpose and clarity, we can effect change. The children of the Virgin Islands are worth that fight.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

MUNICH — Today at the Munich Security Conference, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) advanced their alternate vision for U.S. foreign policy, grounded in working-class priorities and true American values. Their remarks followed Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s address before the Conference and contrasted the corruption and elite-driven vision of the Trump Administration against a better way forward that truly responds to working Americans’ needs.

“We need a national security and foreign policy that looks like America and has the experiences of the American people,” Congressman Crow said in his remarks. “It means partnerships that are rooted in fairness and that deliver for working-class folks everywhere.”

“What we know is that isolating ourselves from the world will deliver disastrous consequences at home and abroad,” he continued. “Our foreign policy is being turned into an extortion ring for Big Oil, for the Trump family, for elites. They’re bullying our partners and allies… We want strength and peace, but we don’t want to be extorting and bullying our friends. We want to be a force for good.”

“We are interested in a U.S.-European alliance that’s rooted in substantive and strategic shared priorities that advance the working class of all nations,” Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez said in her remarks.

“We want to make sure that we dive deeply into shared innovation, investment, strategic priorities, and trade policies that ensure the benefits of that trade actually benefit working class people and that we restrain ourselves from the military interventions of our past,” she continued.

Crow, a former Army Ranger and paratrooper, serves on the House Armed Services Committee and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Ocasio-Cortez spoke Friday at the Munich Security Conference to offer a working class perspective on U.S. foreign policy.

Crow previously presented his new affirmative vision for the future of American global leadership in an October speech at the Center for American Progress. Crow’s proposal seeks to reassert congressional authority in foreign policy; ensure America lives up to its values on the global stage; root out corruption at home and abroad; and recruit new talent to bolster foreign policy institutions.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s Velshi, where he made clear that House Democrats will not support any legislation that allows Donald Trump and Kristi Noem’s Department of Homeland Security to use taxpayer dollars to brutalize and kill American citizens.

ALI VELSHI: Joining us now is Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Representative Jeffries, good to see you again. Thank you for being with us this morning.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning.

ALI VELSHI: Number one on your list of demands is something you’re calling targeted enforcement, which includes making it explicit that federal agents can’t just enter private property without a judicial warrant. Talk to me about this. I would assume that your colleagues across the aisle would agree with that. This is not a Democratic or a Republican concept, it’s a Constitution concept.

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s exactly right. It’s an American concept. The Fourth Amendment prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures has been a part of our fabric since the very beginning of our constitutional Republic. It’s incredible to us that Republicans have decided to draw a hard line in the sand. Our view on this is pretty clear. Judicial warrants should be required before ICE agents or any DHS personnel can storm private property, rip Americans out of their homes or brutalize people as we’re seeing on the streets of American towns, cities and villages. This is a pretty straightforward concept. We also believe that there has to be an end to roving patrols. Donald Trump promised that the administration was going to target violent felons who are here in the country illegally. That’s not what is being done. And we need to end the violence, end the brutality and end the killing of American citizens, in part by protecting sensitive locations like houses of worship, schools, hospitals and polling locations. And we also need to make sure that there are independent investigations. Pam Bondi cannot be trusted to investigate or prosecute ICE agents who violate the law.

ALI VELSHI: You talk about polling locations. This becomes very relevant to a lot of people because if you believe that ICE and CBP and federal agents are just out there randomly arresting people, A, that could impede your ability to cast a ballot. There are primaries going on for the next several months and then we’ve got an election. And B, if you believe that even as an American citizen, you’re not particularly safe, that means, you know, for people who are a little worried about going to vote, this feels like it’s not about immigration enforcement only, it’s about scaring people about being out in public.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Republicans are on the run politically all across the country. They’re losing in states, whether that are red states, blue states or purple states. We’ve just seen Republicans experience devastating losses in back-to-back weekends in Texas and in Louisiana, overperforming the 2024 Trump numbers in Texas by 31 points and then in Louisiana by 37 points. So Republicans have clearly come to the conclusion that they cannot win a free and fair election and they’ve adopted voter suppression as an electoral strategy, which is one of the reasons why we are making sure that there is a clear separation between DHS and immigration enforcement activities that they undertake, which need to be fair and just and humane and the ability for state and local officials to ensure that there are free and fair elections in the November midterm.

ALI VELSHI: So this sounds, there’s an overlap between everything you just said and the SAVE Act, which just passed the House, probably won’t pass the Senate, but the point is, the SAVE Act is different from voter suppression, things we’ve talked about in prior years. The Republicans would like you to believe it’s just about photo ID. It’s much more significant and complicated than that.

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s absolutely correct. And with respect to photo identification, every state has different requirements. New York State, for instance, has a photo identification requirement that’s been on the books and that has been administered fairly to allow people to continue to exercise their right to vote. This should remain a state issue. But the so-called SAVE Act is not about free and fair elections. This is spin. It’s a cover story because it actually would require states and localities, elections officials in those places, to hand over information to DHS. Why in the world would we allow that to happen when Donald Trump has explicitly said he’s trying to find a back door path to nationalizing the elections? We’re not going to let it happen.

ALI VELSHI: Congressman, talk to me about this reporting this week about Kristi, I’m sorry, about Kristi Noem and the mess that the Department of Homeland Security is in. You’ve actually talked about the fact, and others have talked about the fact that she should be impeached from her role.

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s absolutely correct. Kristi Noem is a disgrace. She’s corrupt. She’s unqualified. She’s a stone-cold liar. How dare this woman say about two patriotic Americans, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, that they were domestic terrorists, when the American people know otherwise. And so, our view is why is Kristi Noem still around? Alex Pretti was killed on January 24 in cold blood. She should have been fired that very same day. And as House Democrats, we are prepared to move forward with impeachment proceedings, since it appears that Donald Trump has no interest in ensuring that Kristi Noem has accountability because of her clear failures. At the same period of time, You can’t just change personnel. They have to change policy. And the only way to ensure that ICE is actually reined in and brought under control consistent with what the American people would like to see, is to change things dramatically, boldly, meaningfully, through legislation. And that’s what this shutdown showdown is all about.

ALI VELSHI: So this is an interesting point. You can’t just change personnel, you have to change policy. I think that’s really important to remember because these are Donald Trump’s policies that Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi and Pete Hegseth and RFK are carrying out. So how do you think about that? Because people would like to see some people held to account for what they do, but Pam Bondi, that was some wild testimony before the House this week. Pete Hegseth is trying everything he can to prosecute six Members of Congress who have told members of the military that they don’t have to follow illegal orders. There’s a measles outbreak in Florida. RFK’s policies are at play there. So how do you address that? How do you, as a party, think about the fact that there are bad people doing bad things at Donald Trump’s bidding? What’s the fix for that, other than the elections in November?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we definitely have to use every legislative tool available to us to continue to aggressively push back against Donald Trump, Republicans and their extreme policies. And we’ve had some success, of course, in the House of Representatives, pushing back against them, forcing the issue of the Epstein Files into the public domain and actually passing legislation that Donald Trump was compelled to sign into law. And that’s an ongoing effort to ensure that there’s transparency and accountability related to what the survivors have boldly called for. We’ve been able to successfully push back against them in the House and force an up-and-down vote that was successful on a three-year straightforward extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits to try to save the healthcare of tens of millions of Americans and we continue to press our case now in the Senate. Most recently, in this past week, we were able to overturn one of Trump’s tariffs that had been imposed, we believe, unlawfully and recklessly on Canada, part of the Trump tariffs that have been raising costs on everyday Americans, when Donald Trump promised to lower the cost of living on day one. Costs, of course, aren’t going down, they’re going up and part of reason are the Trump tariffs. So it’s an all-hands-on-deck effort, legislatively, in terms of us pushing back. We have to continue to push back in the courts and when Donald Trump has crossed the line, as this administration has done repeatedly, sue the heck out of him and continue to win more cases than have been lost. And then ultimately, the hearts and minds of the American people have to be won over as we’ve been doing electorally, including taking back the House and the Senate in November.

ALI VELSHI: Let’s talk about that. As the wind blow now, a House Democratic success looks like a possibility. But until then, there’s this tiny little lead that the Republicans have in the House, and you just outlined a few examples where some Republicans have moved over. There are probably at least 20 Republicans who are in danger in November, and probably more. Do those end up being negotiations? Are you talking to these Republicans who come over and vote with Democrats or are they talking to their constituents and acting because of that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s certainly the case that public pressure is creating an environment where Republicans are being increasingly compelled to break with the extremism of Donald Trump and vote with us in a common sense fashion as we continue to do everything that we can as Democrats to drive down the high cost of living, to fix our broken healthcare system and now to make sure that immigration enforcement is fair, is just and humane, and we can get ICE under control, end the violence, end the brutality, end the killing of American citizens. We are having Member-to-Member conversations on given issues, and I think that we’ll continue to do that. But it will be anchored in values that are consistent with making life better for the American people. This my-way-or-the-highway approach that Republicans and Donald Trump adopted from January 20 of last year, that’s done. That’s over. That’s gotten them nowhere. And our view is that we’re going to continue to be in this fight until we win this fight for the American people. And if Republicans want to join us, all the better.

ALI VELSHI: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, good to see you. Thank you for joining us. The House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

Full interview can be watched here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced the establishment of an annual Valentines for Veterans drive. Valentines created by Northwest Washington students will be distributed to local veterans and servicemembers on February 14th.

     

“To all the women and men who have served our country, happy Valentine’s Day and thank you for your service,” said Rep. Larsen. “I am glad that my office helped pass along well-wishes and gratitude to our veterans and servicemembers and I look forward to continuing this program in the years to come.”

Rep. Larsen visited the Oak Harbor Boys & Girls Club on February 7^th to make Valentines Day cards for local veterans with kids in the community. Students at Edmonds-Woodway High School Key Club and Oak Harbor High School also made valentines.

Rep. Larsen’s office delivered the valentines created by local students to veterans at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Bellingham and Everett, and the Fleet Reserve Association and American Legion in Oak Harbor.

Larsen Fights for Veterans in Northwest Washington

In his time in Congress, Rep. Larsen has hosted more than 70 forums to hear directly from Northwest Washington state veterans about their needs, including five roundtables in September 2025. Following those conversations, he published ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington,’ a report capturing local veterans’ most pressing challenges and outlining policy recommendations for Congress and VA to address these concerns.

After hearing from local veterans about the lack of transportation options to VA health facilities, Rep. Larsen introduced the Veterans Access to Transit Act (VA Transit Act) last December to establish a Department of Transportation (DOT) pilot program to provide veterans with public transportation to VA facilities and veterans organizations. Rep. Larsen also introduced the Mammography Access for Veterans Act this February. This bipartisan legislation would expand veterans’ access to lifesaving breast cancer screenings through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Grothman, Gooden Reintroduce Migrant Child Safety Act

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland

February 13, 2026                                                   202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONDEMNS REMOVAL OF HISTORICAL MARKERS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

St. Croix, USVI –  Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) denounced a sweeping Trump Administration directive targeting historical markers at national parks nationwide—a campaign that has reached the Virgin Islands National Park, where signs and exhibits documenting the territory’s history are being removed. The Virgin Islands National Park protects more than 7,000 acres on St. John that tell the story of the territory’s past: Taino archaeological sites documenting indigenous life and sugar plantation ruins that stand as testament to the forced labor of enslaved Africans who built the colonial economy.

The directive implements President Trump’s March 2025 Executive Order 14253, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” which has resulted in the removal or modification of displays related to Native American history, climate change, and the treatment of enslaved peoples at parks including the Grand Canyon, Glacier, Big Bend, and Grand Teton.

“The erasure of history does not change history—it only ensures we are condemned to repeat it. The Virgin Islands National Park preserves the history of our ancestors – from the indigenous peoples who first called these islands home to those who endured enslavement and built our communities through unimaginable hardship. These stories must be told accurately and completely so current and future generations understand where we come from and the lessons we must carry forward. The removal of these historical markers robs our children and all Americans of the truth they deserve.

“National parks serve as America’s storytellers, with a responsibility to present our history accurately – the beautiful and the painful, the triumphs and the tragedies. Removing references to the displacement of indigenous peoples, the realities of enslavement, or the scientific evidence of climate change is not restoring truth. It is manufacturing a sanitized fiction that disrespects every American who deserves to know the full truth of our history.

“The Virgin Islands has never shied away from our history. We honor our ancestors by telling their stories truthfully, teach our children by acknowledging what came before, and protect our future by learning from our past. I have worked across the aisle to ensure our history is preserved— including passing bipartisan legislation to install a plaque at Ram Head commemorating the 1733 slave rebellion.

“I am engaging directly with the Department of the Interior and calling on the Administration to reverse these removals and restore accurate historical interpretation at the Virgin Islands National Park. I will continue fighting to ensure the Virgin Islands National Park preserves our complete history and supports St. John and the entire Virgin Islands—our land, people, culture, and future—for generations to come.”

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Letter to Secretary Burgum of the U.S. Department of Interior linked here.

Letter to Governor Bryan and Senate President Potter here.