“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our delegate and puts her and the U.S. Virgin Islands at the center of decision making on financial issues that affect our country during these challenging times. Additionally, this appointment makes us aware that Delegate Plaskett is truly well-respected and held in high regard by her colleagues. To get a seat on Ways and Means is a highly sought after and competitive placement by House members and she was selected, which is truly is noteworthy,” said former Governor John deJongh Jr.
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after being nominated to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives:
“It will be my honor to be the first member ever from a territory to serve on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. The Committee on Ways and Means is the oldest and most exclusive Committee in Congress and has jurisdiction over key economic policy issues like tax, trade and health care issues. Eight presidents and eight vice presidents have served on Ways and Means, as have 21 Speakers of the House of Representatives and four justices of the Supreme Court. It’s my honor to be the voice for Virgin Islanders and all the territories on the prestigious House Committee on Ways and Means.
“The decisions made by this committee have a profound impact on the economy, health and welfare of Virgin Island families and I plan to utilize my experience in public finance law to support the work of the committee. I look forward to working with my fellow committee members to strengthen the retirement security system, social safety net and critical infrastructure so many Americans rely on. Issues of rum cover over, excise tax, customs, tax incentive programs are all within Ways and Means.
“I would like to thank Speaker Pelosi, Whip Clyburn and the members of the Steering and Policy Committee for supporting Virgin Island business owners, taxpayers and working families to ensure representation on a committee so central to the business of the 117th Congress. I look forward to working with Chairman Neal, who has been a stellar leader of the committee and is a fighter against economic inequality.”