Committee votes 7‑0 to send resolution urging CBI modernization and formal USVI role to Rules
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Summary
The Economic Development & Agriculture Committee unanimously voted to report Resolution 36‑0194, which urges Congress and the U.S. Trade Representative to modernize the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), expand eligible services (digital, clean energy, services), permanently reauthorize the program, and formally include the U.S. Virgin Islands as a stakeholder/implementation partner.
Senator Angel Bocas Jr. introduced Resolution 36‑0194 to the Economic Development and Agriculture Committee on Jan. 14, asking Congress and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to modernize the Caribbean Basin Initiative to reflect a services‑driven, climate‑vulnerable region.
The measure calls for three main reforms: update eligibility to encompass digital services, renewable energy, climate‑resilient infrastructure and advanced manufacturing; a permanent reauthorization rather than repeated short extensions; and formal inclusion of the U.S. Virgin Islands as an implementation partner and stakeholder in CBI reviews.
A panel of local and regional experts and officials testified in support. Eric Sonnier of the UVI Research & Technology Park recommended clarifying the territory’s role as a stakeholder and implementation partner rather than recategorizing the USVI as a standard CBERA beneficiary country. "The U.S. Virgin Islands occupies a unique position," Sonnier said, arguing the territory can act as a bridge between U.S. policy and Caribbean implementation and as a testing ground for modern trade frameworks.
Haldane Davies of the Bureau of Economic Research underscored the fiscal relevance of a modernized CBI, citing rum cover‑over proceeds earned over decades and noting the potential for broader benefits if rules of origin, investment facilitation, and workforce development are improved. Sandra Satori of the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission and Dr. Kendra Harris of UVI’s School of Business urged inclusion of energy, telecommunications, skills development and logistics in modernization discussions.
After testimony and questions, Senator Bocas moved to report the bill to the Committee of Rules and Judiciary for further action; the motion was seconded and the committee recorded a unanimous roll call: seven yeas, zero nays. The clerk read the roll call and the chair ordered the resolution forward for additional consideration.
Next steps: with a favorable committee report, the resolution will proceed to Rules and Judiciary where amendments (including clarifying the USVI role and adding focus areas such as the blue economy and data centers) will be finalized before any formal transmission to Congress.