Recognition of National Heritage Area

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight a major legislative win which was the designation of the National Heritage Area Act for my home of St. Croix in the Virgin Islands.

I thank Senator Angus King for his support, who introduced the Senate companion bill, which was signed into law by President Biden.

St. Croix, with its place of landing, is the only place in the United States in which Christopher Columbus actually set his foot. It is home to native Caribs, as well as Taino Indians, who engaged and fought with Christopher Columbus. It is the home of Alexander Hamilton. We have a history of enslavement and struggle to maintain our African ancestors' culture on that island.

Seven nations have owned the U.S. Virgin Islands at one point or another, adding to a rich blend of many cultures and ideas; the epitome of Americanism, how the innovation and continual change in our country takes place.

St. Croix's National Heritage Area designation is the culmination of nearly 20 years of advocacy and work. We look forward to what it brings to our island.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source