Delegates to the U.S. Congress: History and Current Status

摘要

Delegates, representing territories that had not yet achieved statehood, have served in the House since the late 1700s. In the 20th century, the concept of Delegate grew to include representation of territories where the United States exercises some degree of control, but which were not expected to become states. In the 112th Congress, the U.S. insular areas of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, 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. In addition, Puerto Rico is represented by a Resident Commissioner, whose position is treated the same as a Delegate. This report provides historical background on the development of the position of Delegate to Congress and on the rights of a Delegate once seated.