Release Funds to the U.S. Virgin Islands

Floor Speech

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Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, last year's natural disasters in the U.S. Virgin Islands have left thousands of properties damaged and destroyed. The vast majority of those homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure have yet to be repaired.

It is imperative that any funds authorized and intended to be allocated for the Virgin Islands be released to the territory immediately.

While the Federal funding does not include the full amount or all of the requests of the Virgin Islands, it will help substantially in the rebuilding efforts to create better housing opportunities, to help build a resilient utility system, burying lines, creating microgrids, and implementing renewables in our energy portfolio.

Due to the tenuous position of the U.S. territories, the U.S. Virgin Islands has been unable to pay contractors up front for critical repairs. We don't have the millions to pay up front and seek reimbursement from the government.

Treasury and its Secretary has been unwilling to lend us or loan us, under reasonable terms, the money that Congress allocated for us to be loaned.

I am requesting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency expedite the release of the funds to the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power pilot program immediately so that project contractors and subcontractors may be paid as soon as possible and recovery efforts continue.

Mr. Speaker, when contractors lay off workers, our economy falters. And as hurricane season is beginning, this needs to be done now.

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