Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett Statement on Veterans Day

Statement

Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day, which is observed every year on November 11th:

"Today is a day we share our deep and longstanding appreciation for the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families. We celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform and continue to do so.

"On this special day Americans think about the sacrifices our veterans have made and continue to make, and often reflect on the freedoms and rights that this great country owes those men and women. We also recognize the challenges and difficulties that our veterans encounter daily. While we spend this day honoring that service, it is crucial that we push forward in our commitment to ensure that our veterans enjoy all the benefits of service that they rightly deserve.

"This year marked another national election that did not include the votes of residents of the territories, including veterans living in the Virgin Islands. Four million. That's how many Americans the US Census Bureau estimates live in the territories of the United States. Millions of them are of voting age. Many are veterans or active military. Veterans and active military who cannot vote to elect our commander in chief.

"As your Representative in the United States Congress I promise to continuously and fiercely advocate for the fair and equal voting rights for citizens in U.S. territories. Our Veterans and residents deserve the right to vote for the Commander and Chief and fully participate in our nation's democracy.

"I am acutely aware of the additional burden on veterans caused by the pandemic. My office has been working with the Veterans Affairs Committee to ensure that adequate funding was included for Veterans under the CARES Act. Under the CARES Act, we received a grant to support fighting homelessness for veterans. I have introduced legislation to offer a tax credit to small businesses that hire a member of the national guard and ready reserve. My office has been in discussion with the VA Caribbean Healthcare system to work more collaboratively with our local hospitals to ensure that veteran healthcare needs do not go unmet.

I also send my recognition to those veterans receiving special commendation by the VI Department of Veterans Affairs:

Oscar R. James Sr. -- St. John
Romeo A. Malone -- St. Thomas and
Abraham Hewitt -- St. Croix
"Thank you for your service and sacrifice!"

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