Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett was sworn in to the U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday.
“I am honored to represent the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the 118th Congress for a fifth term. My Democratic colleagues and I in Congress look forward to putting people over politics, working to lower costs, create better paying jobs, and make our communities safer,” Plaskett said in a statement issued Sunday.
In a dramatic 15th vote early on Saturday, after an intense four days and 14 failed ballots — the longest the chamber has gone leaderless in 164 years — Rep. Kevin McCarthy clinched the election to become the 55th person to serve as Speaker of the House.
After making numerous concessions to win support from far-right Republicans, four GOP members instead joined their party by voting “present.” Voting present helped McCarthy secure the gavel by reducing the number of votes he needed to get to a majority. He won with 216 out of 428 possible votes.
“As always, I am willing to work with whomever will support my constituents’ interest and like in the past, I will work with both parties to craft legislation, advocate for everyday Americans, and create opportunities,” said Plaskett.
“I would also like to congratulate the governor and lieutenant governor once again on their inauguration to another term and the members of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. I look forward to a productive and congenial next two years.”
