[Washington, DC, May 8, 2003]—Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen visited the White House today to witness President Bush as he signed the executive order which re-establishes a working group of federal agencies on territorial issues.  Christensen who had called on the president early in his presidency to continue the working group started in the Clinton administration to coordinate the activities of federal agencies as pertains to the territories, said that she was glad to see it finally happen.

“This is a very opportune time for the establishment of the Interagency Group on Insular Affairs (IGIA) for both Guam and the Virgin Islands since both territories are facing financial crises,” said Delegate Christensen.  “I took the opportunity to say this to Secretary (of the Interior) Norton and to urge her to convene the group as soon as we are prepared to discuss plans to resolve the crisis.”

In addition to Secretary Norton, Secretaries Elaine Chao of Labor, and Norman Mineta of Transportation also attended the signing which was held in conjunction with the celebration of Asian Pacific Islander month.  Deputy Assistant Secretary David Cohen of Insular Affairs was also in attendance.