Press Releases

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement regarding H.R. 2266 - the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017 which appropriates $36.5 billion in emergency disaster relief, flood insurance, and emergency wildfire funding and was passed by the Senate today:

“I am pleased that the Senate today passed H.R. 2266 which appropriates $36.5 billion for emergency disaster relief, flood insurance assistance, and replenishes the federal firefighting accounts, but far more will be necessary for relief in areas impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“The catastrophic destruction caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria demands massive amounts of aid for our territory to address the diverse needs of the survivors who face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. This $36.5 billion aid package is a second step in relief support. The scale of the damage to the Virgin Islands warrants a long term relief package. It is anticipated that Congress will add to this request by legislating funding for flexible community development block grants, the rebuilding of coastlines, roads, airports, ports, and other infrastructure; small business loans and repairs to other federal facilities damaged by the storms. Such investments played a critical role in rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. We owe no less to the American citizens in our Virgin Islands.

“I am pleased that the bill includes $4.9 billion for Community Disaster Loans, which will provide much-needed liquidity to the governments of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, so that we can continue to effectively serve our communities. This relief package demonstrates the collaboration between myself and Resident Commissioner Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon. Since her arrival here in Congress we have both worked in the best interest of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Even though we are across the aisle from each other we still consider ourselves both to be assets to our constituents as we transcend politics.

“Finally, I see this Disaster Supplemental as a down payment on the total recovery package the Virgin Islands will require to move forward and remain America’s paradise in the Caribbean. I look forward to working with my colleagues here in the House and the Senate to ensure that the people of the Virgin Islands, who need this crucial disaster relief and rebuilding package, are not forgotten.”

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Other Legislative Accomplishments from Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett for the Virgin Islands

Medicaid Funding

1. Congresswoman Plaskett was pleased to win approval of additional Medicaid funding to the U.S. Virgin Islands by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Legislation to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program originally provided supplemental Medicaid funds only for Puerto Rico. Due to efforts by Congresswoman Plaskett, it was successfully amended by the committee to include equivalent Medicaid funds for the Virgin Islands, an addition of roughly $30 million.

2. Congresswoman Plaskett led the charge against efforts to reduce by 5% the amount of Medicaid matching funds available to U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands, in the latest Republican bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Due to successful efforts by Congresswoman Plaskett, joined by all other Delegates representing U.S. territories and other Members of Congress, this Medicaid cut was removed from the latest version of the bill considered in the Senate Finance Committee in September.

3. More must be done. Going forward, Congresswoman Plaskett will continue to work for more Medicaid funding for the Virgin Islands in addition to a temporary 100% federal contribution to Medicaid in the Virgin Islands as we recover from the massive devastation resulting from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

ASSISTANCE TO TERRITORIES
4. Congresswoman Plaskett was also pleased to win full House approval of her amendment to the fiscal 2018 legislative appropriations bill that would increase funding for the Department of Interior’s assistance to territories, an addition of roughly $1 million dollars over the amount recommended by the House Appropriations Committee.

Much of the Federal Government's support for Americans in U.S. territories comes out of this territorial assistance account, with funding channeled toward necessary community facilities like schools and hospitals, and critical infrastructure systems. This support is imperative and much more is needed. Going forward, Congresswoman Plaskett will be working for significant further increases for assistance to territories funding as the Virgin Islands continues its long recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.