The Role of the Delegate

Legislator
Introducing bills, amendments, that affect national policy that will be beneficial to the Virgin Islands.  Introducing legislation that specifically pertain to the Virgin Islands and will be beneficial to the Virgin Islands.  This legislation can be economic (brings dollars to the territory) or policy (affect what is lawful and legal).  This is done through active participation in the Committee  and Subcommittee process, particularly the Committee on Energy and Commerce, (where delegates can vote), in Committee on the Whole, (where delegates can vote on amendments) or on the floor, (where delegates can’t vote) but can speak in favor or against any proposal. Congresswoman Christensen also serves on the Subcommittees on Telecommunications and the Internet, and Oversight and Investigations.  Interacts with other Members of Congress and other federal officials to promote the Virgin Islands and territorial positions.

Helps to Obtain Federal Funding
Makes sure that Virgin Islands is eligible to receive all pertinent funding from various federal agencies and departments.  Makes sure that Virgin Islands receives fair share of federal funding.  Assists constituents to identify and obtain federal funding through existing programs.  Makes recommendations for local groups and individuals for federal funding.  Advocates for local groups and individuals to receive or continue federal funding.

Helps to Bring New Businesses to the Virgin Islands
Meets with and provides information to businesses that want to locate in the Virgin Islands.

Constituent Advocate
Represents the interests of constituents, both individual and groups) with federal agencies, such as Social Security, Rural Development, Housing and Urban Development, the Post Office, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration, etc., helping them to contact, have meetings and resolve issues.  Sometimes represents the interests of constituents with the local government, especially if there is a federal angle, but mostly provides proper referral to local agencies.

Special Constituent Services in Washington, DC
Makes US military academy recommendations. Obtains flags flown over the Capitol. Assists with visits to the Capitol, the White House and  other official national sites. Requests special birthday greetings from the President (80 and older) or anniversaries (50 and over).

Public Policy Advocate
Advocates public policy in health, education, small business, homeland security, environment, etc. that are local and national in scope by speaking before various groups, local and national, presenting positions that are in the best interest of the local and national constituency.

Informs and Advises the Virgin Islands Public on Federal Issues
Regularly communicates with the Virgin Islands public to include Virgin Islanders living abroad and the general U.S. population with issues pertaining to the Virgin Islands.  The Delegate and her office regularly communicates the activities of the office and of the Congress and the federal government by letter, telephone calls, email, internet, and regular appearances in local and national media. Represents the Virgin Islands position before the national media.

Represents the Territory at Ceremonial Events
Represents the territory locally, nationally and internationally at ceremonial events of importance.