(Washington, DC, April 26, 2006) — Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen today successfully secured the support of her colleagues in passing all three of her amendments to H.R. 4954, the Security and Accountability For Every Ports (SAFE) Act. The bill improves the security at U.S. ports by closing the gaps in the security framework by expanding capabilities and maximizing resources.

Christensen successfully included language to provide for a Border Patrol Unit for the Virgin Islands in the measure. In addition, she was successful in passing an amendment to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to study and report back to Congress, on the impact of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) on Charter Boat operators in the territory. 

“It is an exciting day for the territory!” said Delegate Christensen.  “I want to thank Chairman (Peter) King and my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee for not only passing my Border Patrol bill once again, but also for providing a framework which will lead to relief for the members of our charter boat and charter yacht industry who have been frustrated while trying to comply with Homeland Security regulations. We have been working to secure a waiver of the boating regulations since they were put in place and this amendment will go a long way in achieving our goal.” 

The Homeland Security Committee also adopted a third Christensen amendment which would authorize $1.8 billion under the Coast Guard’s Deepwater Program to replace their aging fleet of cutters and aircraft.  Accelerating the Coast Guard’s Deepwater program will strengthen their homeland security mission by giving its cutters and aircraft the surveillance capability needed to detect and intercept suspicious vessels before they reach our shores and threaten our population.