Stacey Plaskett

Stacey Plaskett is an American attorney and politician serving as the Delegate to the United States House of Representatives from the United States Virgin Islands' at-large congressional district since 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney's Office and held several roles in the United States Department of Justice. Plaskett gained national prominence as an impeachment manager during the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump.

Early life and education

Stacey Plaskett was born in New York City to parents who had emigrated from Saint Croix. She was raised in the Bronx and later moved to the United States Virgin Islands during her high school years. Plaskett attended Georgetown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service. She subsequently obtained her Juris Doctor from the American University Washington College of Law.

Legal and early political career

After law school, Plaskett began her legal career as a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the United States Department of Justice. She later served as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney's Office under Robert M. Morgenthau, prosecuting cases in the Trial Division. Plaskett returned to federal service as Senior Counsel at the United States Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division and later worked as Senior Counsel at the United States Department of the Treasury. Her early political involvement included working as a staffer for Senate committees and on the presidential campaign of John Kerry.

U.S. House of Representatives

Plaskett was elected in 2014, succeeding Donna Christian-Christensen, and took office in the 114th United States Congress. As a non-voting delegate, she can vote in House committees and introduce legislation but cannot vote on the final passage of bills on the House floor. She has been re-elected consistently, serving in the 115th, 116th, 117th, and 118th Congresses. Her legislative work has focused on issues critical to the United States Virgin Islands, including disaster recovery, economic development, and voting rights for territorial residents.

Impeachment roles

Plaskett served as one of the House impeachment managers during the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump in 2021, following the January 6 United States Capitol attack. She played a key role in presenting the case to the United States Senate, delivering arguments focused on the incitement of insurrection charge. Her performance during the trial, including the use of multimedia presentations, received significant media attention. Plaskett was also appointed to the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.

Political positions and committee assignments

A member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus, Plaskett's policy priorities include climate change resilience, healthcare access, and infrastructure investment for territories. She has been a vocal advocate for D.C. statehood and full voting rights for all U.S. territories. Her current committee assignments include the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Agriculture, where she serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research. She previously served on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Category:1966 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from the United States Virgin Islands