Feb. 8, 2007 — Delegate Donna M. Christensen cast her first votes in the Committee of the Whole of the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday afternoon, according to a release from Christensen's office.
The votes came on amendments to H.R. 547, a bill designed to make bio-fuels, like E85 ethanol, easier to access and use.
Christensen and her fellow delegates and the resident commissioner of Puerto Rico voted for the first time in 12 years — the last time that Democrats held power in Congress.
The Democrats restored their rights to vote in the Committee of the Whole last month, underscoring their intention to provide increased participation for all Americans in the democratic process. The vote did not come without opposition from Republicans, who tried to trigger the re-vote process that would nullify the delegates vote.
Christensen dedicated her first vote to the memory of the V.I. National Guard soldiers who gave their lives in defense of their country. "This is for Lt. Col. David Canegata and Sgt. 1st Class Floyd Lake and all those who have fought and died for this country so that we can more fully share in its benefits and participate in the Democratic process," she said. "I am also in full support of the intent of this bill as it will provide consumers with diverse fuel choices important for our economy and our environment."
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