U.S. Capitol Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett has been appointed to serve on the influential House Committee on the Budget and two subcommittees under the Committee on Ways and Means. These appointments provide critical opportunities to represent the interests of the Virgin Islands on the national stage.
According to Ms. Plaskett, the Budget Committee plays a significant role in shaping the nation's fiscal policies. Its primary responsibility is drafting the annual concurrent resolution on the federal budget, outlining spending and revenue levels, the federal surplus or deficit, and public debt. Plaskett highlighted the importance of this work, stating, "As many of the temporary provisions enacted under President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will expire in 2025, and Republican leadership has signaled that it will use the budget process to pass a reconciliation bill to enact much of President-elect Trump’s agenda, the Budget Committee will play a central role to ensure economic security for American families this coming year."
In her role on the Ways and Means Committee, Plaskett will serve on the Subcommittee on Social Security and the Subcommittee on Tax Policy. The Subcommittee on Social Security oversees matters related to the nation's Social Security system. Plaskett emphasized her commitment to advocating for the full inclusion of the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. She noted, "My Democratic colleagues and I recognize the fight ahead of us, to stand up to the Republican agenda to large portions of the Social Security program."
Through her work on the Subcommittee on Tax Policy, Plaskett aims to push for reforms that create a fairer and simpler tax code, providing Americans with greater opportunities for financial stability. "These appointments provide a seat at the table to advocate for the people who sent me to Washington and for whom I fight – the people of the Virgin Islands," she stated.
Expressing optimism about her expanded roles, Plaskett remarked, "I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance policies that place our economy on a sustainable path as well as support business owners, taxpayers, and working families."
