Press Releases

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Michael J. McQuerry
February 2, 2022                                                        202-215-8524

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RETURNS FROM A CONGRESSIONAL FACT FINDING VISIT TO DOHA, QATAR AT THE INVITATION OF THE QATAR GOVERNMENT 

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding her recent trip to the Middle East:

Congresswoman Plaskett and her colleagues - Reps. Eric Swalwell and Sean Patrick Maloney,  from the Intelligence Committee,  and Lou Correa, a veteran and member of Homeland Security and Judiciary Committee held high level meetings with government officials on Qatar US relations. The group also were briefed by US Defense, Homeland and NGOs on the work to support Afghan individuals and their families who supported US efforts during the Afghan war. Plaskett visited an Afghan refugee camp and got to speak with servicemen and women and Afghan guests being processed. 

“Seeing first hand the tremendous work that has been done to bring more than 70,000 individuals out of harms way in Afghanistan and our government continue to keep its promise as we streamline and process thousands of individuals is more than impressive. I learned a lot from the work of AfghanEvac, a coalition of groups, primarily veterans working to support the mission,” said Plaskett.

Congresswoman Plaskett also met with Qatar’s officials charged with driving economic development. “Before 1950 Qatar faced bleak economic depression with natural disaster, health pandemics and regional instability. Not only the rise in wealth but the specific calculations on how to invest and grow an economy are fascinating and instructive.  I was happy to talk with the CEO of the Qatar Investment Fund about projections and ideas in the Caribbean. I am always trying to learn and find ways to support our Caribbean region,” said Plaskett.

Plaskett also visited one of the 9 soccer stadiums being built and not renovated for the 2022 World Cup. “Standing on the pitch of one of the stadiums was pretty awesome. More impressive was the work and preparation being done through Doha for the event this summer,” said Plaskett.

In conclusion, Congresswoman Plaskett thought the trip was successful. “This was a pretty timely trip as our meetings came immediately before President Biden’s meeting with the Emir of Qatar on a range of topic but front of mind Qatar’s support of Europe with liquefied natural gas LNG as we shore up our defenses as necessary to deal with the Russia Ukraine conflict,” said Plaskett.

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