Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC– Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, a Member of the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, issued the following statement after the announcement by President Trump regarding rural broadband being included in his infrastructure proposal:

“Broadband is not a luxury it is a necessity. Affordable broadband is a building block for healthy communities. As the Internet becomes crucial in economics, education, and civic life, communities that are left behind pay a higher price for their lack of access.

“The longer we allow the digital divide to persist in the Virgin Islands the more we will be left behind. The President’s infrastructure proposal is an ambitious blueprint to connect every home, school, and business in America to high-speed, reliable broadband so we can all compete in the world economy. All Virgin Islanders deserve the benefits of improved economic development, as well as expanded public safety, health, and education services.

“In the Virgin Islands, so many people still lack basic and reliable access to the internet and our businesses cannot compete globally and we are unable to attract larger businesses to the Territory without increased broadband. We must make sure farmer’s schools and families in the Virgin Islands have the infrastructure projects that they need to compete and grow.

“As you recall, part of my decision to become a member of the House Agriculture Committee was because of the committee’s authority and oversight over rural development and under federal guidelines most of the Virgin Islands is considered rural. My staff has been working with the committee, the administration in consultation with viNGN and other local agencies to ensure that we are able to maximize all proposals regarding the expansion of broadband infrastructure in rural areas.

“We look forward to working with Governor Mapp, viNGN and other local groups to ensure Virgin Islanders receive the maximum benefit from any infrastructure proposal.