In a dramatic moment on the House floor, U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Stacey Plaskett questioned the non-voting status of U.S. territories, sparking a divided reaction after characterizing the situation as a "colonies problem."

Following an initial roll call vote, Plaskett, a Democrat, raised a parliamentary inquiry, asking the House clerk why delegates from the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia were excluded from the House speaker election.

Plaskett highlighted that the excluded delegates collectively represent approximately four million Americans, including a significant number of veterans. Amidst calls of "order" from Republicans, the House clerk clarified that only representatives-elect are eligible to vote in the speaker election, citing Section 36 of the House Rules and Manual.

Plaskett responded passionately, stating, "This body, and this nation, has a territories and a colonies problem," drawing a standing ovation from some Democrats and boos from Republicans. She emphasized the need to address the seemingly permanent nature of this temporary arrangement before her microphone was apparently cut off.

Plaskett has represented the U.S. Virgin Islands as a non-voting delegate since 2015, a period that has seen seven different House speakers elected.