Caribbean-American Heritage Month
Floor Speech
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Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Caribbean- American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the profound contributions of Caribbean Americans to our Nation's fabric.
From our kitchens come flavors that have influenced American cuisine.
Our music echoes across the mainland, starting with Caribbean- American children in the late seventies in the Bronx founding what became hip-hop and rap music.
Our entrepreneurs have built businesses. Our educators have shaped minds, and our artists have colored the American cultural landscape.
Our military and revolutionary mindsets have given Americans Haitian troops during the Revolutionary War, Denmark Vesey during slavery, Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte during the civil rights movement, and Colin Powell for his shock and awe.
We have produced judges, athletes, and public servants who carry forward the Caribbean values of hard work, family, and community.
During this Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we honor not just Caribbean Americans, but the enduring spirit of a people who transformed challenge into opportunity, who preserved culture while embracing innovation, and who continue to strengthen America's promise of diversity and inclusion. Rural Hospitals
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Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a critical healthcare crisis facing the Virgin Islands. The proposed budget cuts threaten to devastate our already fragile rural hospital system, putting thousands of lives at risk.
The Virgin Islands' remote geography makes our rural hospitals literal lifelines. When someone suffers a heart attack on St. John or faces a medical emergency on St. Croix, these facilities aren't just convenient options. They are the difference between life and death. Unlike mainland rural communities where one might drive 2 hours to reach alternative care, our residents face ocean crossings and weather- dependent transportation.
These proposed cuts would force closures of essential services. We are talking about dialysis centers, maternal health services, and trauma care that cannot simply be replaced by telemedicine or helicopter transport.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to remember that healthcare equity means ensuring that the ZIP Code, or in my case, the island I call home, doesn't determine whether you live or die. The Virgin Islands cannot afford to lose these vital healthcare anchors. Women Veterans Day
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Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the women veterans of the United States Virgin Islands on this Women Veterans Day. From the date that President Truman signed the Women's Armed Services Integration Act into law in 1948, Virgin Islands women have answered our Nation's call to service with unwavering dedication and courage.
These remarkable women have served in every branch of our military. I think of the great Ruby Rouss, the first Black woman to be assigned permanently to the staff of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, among so many others, past and present.
Women veterans of the Virgin Islands and across our Nation represent the very best of our spirit. They have broken barriers, opened doors for future generations, and demonstrated that courage knows no gender.
On this Women Veterans Day, we say to every woman veteran in our Nation: Your service matters. Your sacrifice is remembered, and your continued leadership makes us all stronger.
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