Puerto Rico

“The Office of Delegate was established by ordinance from the Continental Congress (1774–1789) and confirmed by a law of Congress. From the beginning of the Republic, accordingly, the House has admitted delegates from Territories or districts organized by law. Congress created the post of resident commissioner in 1900 to apply to Puerto Rico; the Philippines were granted resident commissioners several years later. Since 1946, only Puerto Rico has had a resident commissioner.

In most respects, delegates and the resident commissioner possess the same powers as other Members of the House. On the House Floor, they can speak, introduce bills and resolutions and offer amendments. All serve on committees of the House and possess powers and privileges equal to other Members in committee. Delegates may also vote while the House of Representatives is conducting business as the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union. Unlike Members of the House, however, they may not vote when the House is meeting as the House of Representatives.

Currently, there is one delegate for each of the following: the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; as well as a resident commissioner from Puerto Rico. The formal duties of the delegates and the resident commissioner are identical; however, a delegate serves a two-year term, while a resident commissioner serves a four-year term.” House Clerk FAQ