The House Committee on Resources voted unanimously in favor of Congresswoman Donna Christian-Christensen's bill to provide the Virgin Islands with the same "general borrowing authority as authorized by the V.I. Legislature." The bill is intended to save the V.I. government on the cost associated with a planned $100 million financing to meet current obligations and to provide sufficient cash reserves to operate the government.
     
     Before putting forth a vote on the bill, Resource Committee Chairman Don Young of Alaska stated that while he is willing to "help the Virgin Islands out, he is becoming "tired" of Congress being asked to make changes that we ourselves should be doing via our own constitution, which we have been empowered to adopt since 1974." He further continued and asked Delegate Christensen to take back the message that with regard to our fiscal responsibilities, Congress is watching us very carefully and the present situation cannot continue.
     
     Congresswoman Christensen says she is pleased with today's vote but hopes that the V.I. government heeds Chairman Young's warning.
     
     "Chairman Young made it quite clear that we must take responsibility for our actions, something I have repeatedly stated when dealing with this issue. I also share his concerns which should be the concerns of all of us. Although I had reservations myself, this bill was brought forward (1) because of the urgency to meet current obligations, (2) the savings that we can realize if we accomplish this before the end of the fiscal year, and (3) the fact that it contains certain controls."
     
     Congresswoman Christensen's bill will go to the House Floor for a vote next week.