Number: RL32340
Title: Territorial Delegates to the U.S. Congress: Current Issues and Historical Background
Authors: Betsy Palmer, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: Currently, the U.S. insular areas of American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the federal municipality of the District of Columbia are each represented in Congress by a Delegate to the House of Representatives. The individual elected to represent Puerto Rico is called the Resident Commissioner instead of delegate. The Delegates and Resident Commissioner are the successors of Delegates from statehood-bound territories, who first took seats in the House in the late 1700s. Proposals offered in recent Congresses have sought to grant the Delegate from the District of Columbia voting rights on the floor of the House. Another proposal would expand territorial representation to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Floor action in the House and Senate on these bills could occur before the end of the 109th Congress.
Pages: 19
Date: July 6, 2006