$13.25 Rum Cover-Over Rate Advances in Senate Bill; Bryan, Plaskett and Allies Push to Lock in Billion-Dollar Win

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett separately announced on Saturday announced a significant breakthrough in the Virgin Islands’ long-standing push to make the $13.25 rum cover-over rate permanent. The U.S. Senate’s latest version of the federal tax reconciliation bill — now as President Donald Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill — now includes the provision, a move that could generate over $1 billion in federal revenues for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico if enacted into law. “This marks an important step toward greater economic certainty and fiscal stability for the Virgin Islands,” Bryan said. “Senator Crapo gave me his commitment, and he followed through. His support and the Senate’s action reflect the effectiveness of our direct and persistent engagement at the federal level.” The inclusion of the provision is the result of sustained lobbying efforts by the Bryan administration, in partnership with key congressional allies. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Id...