Press Releases

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Michael J. McQuerry
December 10, 2020                                                       202-215-8524

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT EXPRESSES HOPE FOR AN OMNIBUS PACKAGE BEFORE CHRISTMAS THAT WILL CONTAIN A COVID-19 STIMULUS RELIEF PACKAGE THAT SUPPORTS VIRGIN ISLANDERS AND ALL AMERICANS 

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding the one week stopgap Continuing Resolution and continued negotiation for an Omnibus bill that may include COVID-19 Stimulus measures:

“Every day, the coronavirus and accompanying economic crisis accelerate out of control.  In light of the urgency of the needs of Virgin Islanders and the American people and the hope that the vaccine presents, I’m hopeful that all parties will work together to finalize a true, bipartisan effort to address the crisis.  The need to act is immediate, and we hope that with good-faith negotiations, using the bipartisan framework introduced by Senators last week as the basis for immediate bicameral negotiations, we can come to an agreement. 

On Wednesday, the House passed a stopgap funding bill which gives us an additional week to negotiate full-year spending legislation, avoid a government shutdown later this month, along with a compromise agreement on COVID-19 relief funds which may be attached to the omnibus bill. We are all fighting for an additional round of funding of the Payroll Protection Program for small businesses, unemployment benefits, as well as funding for states and territories for lost revenues. Leadership is not in agreement on liability protections for businesses and the amount of funding for unemployment. 

“Preventing permanent economic damage requires strong action.  Unless Senate Republicans stop blocking real relief to help those who are suffering and to stimulate the economy, we face the prospect of a prolonged recession with many people and businesses facing permanent economic damage.  We are also talking about engagement in a substantive stimulus bill in the next Congress that will create long term economic development – tax reform, infrastructure and jobs bill to create true long term economic recovery.

“Additionally, I would like to remind Virgin Islanders to remain safe and heed the precautions of the VI Health department and the CDC. Hospitals are at a capacity, the death toll is rising we are in a terrible surge of the Coronavirus pandemic that I trust Virgin Islanders will take seriously – practice social distancing as much as possible, wash your hands and wear a mask.”

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