Jason Chaffetz: “How can you reject that? She said it as eloquently and as passionately from her heart as you possibly could. I am…”

“How can you reject that? She said it as eloquently and as passionately from her heart as you possibly could. I am pleased that we could move this forward. In short, this bill creates a bipartisan congressional commission to plan and carry out commemorative activities for the 100th anniversary of the Virgin Islands becoming an unincorporated territory of the United States. The transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States in 1917 was a significant historic and cultural event. Under the bill, the bipartisan commission will develop, plan, and execute formal commemorative activities to honor the rich heritage of the Virgin Islands. The commission's goal is to highlight the cultural, economic, and historical importance of the Virgin Islands. By celebrating this anniversary, the commission also has the opportunity to educate the citizens about the history of the United States Virgin Islands. The commission may solicit and accept gifts and donations to fund its activities, but there is a prohibition, as the legislation bars any use of Federal funds. Again, I thank our colleague, Stacey Plaskett, the Delegate from the Virgin Islands, for her passion and caring. It is one of the most beautiful places on the face of the planet--second, of course, to Utah's Third Congressional District. But, nevertheless, I think that is why they accepted this. I hope everybody gets a chance to visit there.…”