Congresswoman Checks U.S. Over Its Territories 'Problem' In House Floor Plea

Ben Blanchet
Updated ·2-min read

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ nonvoting delegate in the House of Representatives, made a plea on the chamber floor amid Friday’s vote for a speaker, calling attention to a “problem” related to U.S. territories.

“This body and this nation has a territories and a colonies problem. What was supposed to be temporary has now effectively become permanent. We must do something about this problem,” said Plaskett, speaking over boos from Republicans as her mic proceeded to get cut off.

The mic would briefly turn back on, picking up the words, “But I have a voice!”

Plaskett — who received a standing ovation and cheers from Democrats — questioned why she, along with House members from American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico, as well as D.C., were not part of the roll call for speaker, noting that they collectively represent millions of Americans.

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Only members elected from U.S. states can vote on the speakership.

Plaskett’s remarks made waves on TikTok, with MSNBC sharing a now-viral clip that scooped up over 1.6 million views by Saturday morning.

One TikTok user argued that since the U.S. territories include taxpaying citizens, “they should have a voice” in Congress.

“No if, ands, or buts about it,” they added.

Another user wrote: “I recall a nation declaring it’s Independence after it was taxed and denied representation in parliament to have a say on said tax. We sure have come far from this nations roots.”

Plaskett, in an interview with the Virgin Islands Source, said that everyone has an “obligation to continue to point out wrongs, to express them, and to, in a logical, non-confrontational manner, discuss what we’re facing.”

“Many people are not even aware of these issues happening in the territories,” she told the outlet. “Eventually, we’ll get there if we’re all pushing and not accepting the status quo.”

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