July 13, 2007 — Delegate Donna M. Christensen returned to the territory this afternoon after voting on measures on Iraq, money for college and Section 8 vouchers, according to a news release from her office.
"The only way that I could leave an upbeat message for our troops who just left Fort Bragg for Iraq was to join my colleagues in support of H.R. 2956, the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act, which sets a date of April 1, 2008, for withdrawal of troops from Iraq," Christensen said. “The bill, which passed the House 223 to 201 on Thursday, will be followed with other measures in an attempt to get President Bush to respond to what is seen as an increasingly futile proposition.”
Extended and multiple tours of duty have been discussed frequently in regard to the war.
"It's hard to say farewell to our men and women in uniform, knowing that unless something changes, their tours of duty could be extended,” Christensen said. “I want them back home with their families, safe and sound, as quickly as possible.”
In addition to the war vote, Christensen entered statements for the record in support of H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction Act, which increases Pell grants and reduces interest rates on college loans.
"I was pleased that Chairman Miller made this a priority, as it makes college more accessible — something that we need to do to keep the Virgin Islands and the rest of the U.S. competitive in the global economy," she said.
Christensen also supported Housing Subcommittee Chair Maxine Waters on H.R. 1851, which would reform the housing-choice voucher program under Section 8 and add 100,000 more vouchers, expand flexibility in their use and begin to address the challenges brought on by increasing housing costs, the release said.
"We have long waiting lists for housing in the Virgin Islands, and we need to do more to support access to affordable housing,” Christensen said. “This bill when signed can help us do that. The prospects for Senate passage appear good for all three bills, and we hope to see them signed into law shortly.”
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