[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 94 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H4861-H4862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RELEASE FUNDS TO THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

  (Ms. PLASKETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)

[[Page H4862]]

  

  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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