COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, VETERANS 
AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION 
BILL NO. 
36-0208 
 
Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands 
 
 
 
November 17, 2025 
 
 
 
A resolution recognizing United States Senator Mike Crapo for his instrumental role in 
securing the historic increase in the rum cover over tax reimbursement for the Virgin Islands 
 
 
 
PROPOSED BY: 
 
 
Senator Avery L. Lewis 
 
WHEREAS, on July 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed legislation into law that 
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increased the rum cover over tax reimbursement for the Virgin Islands from $10.50 to $13.25 
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per proof gallon; 
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WHEREAS, the increase represents a significant step forward in supporting the 
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economy of the Virgin Islands, helping to service public debt, and providing critical assistance 
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to stabilize the Government Employees Retirement System; 
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WHEREAS, the enactment of the legislation reflects years of advocacy and 
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determination by numerous stakeholders, including the Governor of the Virgin Islands, the 
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Legislature, the Delegate to Congress, and members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of 
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Representatives; 
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WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper for the Legislature of the Virgin Islands to formally 
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recognize and honor United States Senator Mike Crapo for his dedication, leadership, and 
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extraordinary efforts in helping to secure this long-awaited and transformative bill; Now, 
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Therefore, 
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Be it resolved by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 
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SECTION 1.  The Legislature of the Virgin Islands, on behalf of the people of the Virgin 
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Islands, honors and commends United States Senator Mike Crapo for his instrumental role in 
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achieving the historic increase in the rum cover over tax reimbursement that will have a positive 
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impact on the Virgin Islands economy, public finances, and pension system. 
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SECTION 2.  In recognition and appreciation of his contributions, the President of the 
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Legislature, or the President’s designee, shall present a perma plaque copy of this resolution 
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to United States Senator Mike Crapo along with a locally produced item from the Virgin 
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Islands. 
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SECTION 3.  The sum of $2,000 is appropriated from the General Fund of the Treasury 
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of the Government of the Virgin Islands. in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, to the 
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Legislature of the Virgin Islands to purchase a locally produced item such as a Crucian bracelet 
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or a local painting to present to United States Senator Mike Crapo. 
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BILL SUMMARY 
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This resolution honors and commends United States Senator Mike Crapo for his 
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instrumental role in securing the historic increase in the rum cover over tax reimbursement for 
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the Virgin Islands. 
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BR25-0779/November 10, 2025/PFA 
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