Number: RL31856
Title: Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico
Authors: R. Eric Petersen, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: Since 1902, Congress has authorized Puerto Rico to be represented in Washington, D.C., by a Resident Commissioner. Although the office of territorial Delegate in Congress dates from the Congress of the Articles of Confederation, the office of Resident Commissioner was not established until after the Spanish-American War to provide representation for Puerto Rico and the Philippines. This report surveys the evolution of the office of Resident Commissioner, the expansion in the authority provided to the Resident Commissioner, and the various approaches the Resident Commissioner takes in fulfilling the responsibilities of the office.
Pages: 11
Date: March 11, 2008