How many non-voting members currently serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, and which jurisdictions do they represent?

As of the 119th United States Congress, there are six non-voting members serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. These members represent the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico (as a resident commissioner), American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What are the term lengths for delegates and the resident commissioner in the U.S. House of Representatives?

Delegates representing territories and the District of Columbia serve two-year terms, aligning with the election cycle for voting members of the House. However, the resident commissioner representing Puerto Rico serves a longer term of four years, making it unique among non-voting members.

Beyond floor privileges and committee participation, what other benefits do non-voting members receive?

Non-voting members, like their voting colleagues, receive compensation and benefits. They are also granted franking privileges, which allows them to send official mail without requiring postage stamps, facilitating communication with their constituents.

How does the representation of territories and districts in the U.S. House of Representatives differ from representation in the U.S. Senate?

Non-voting members, such as delegates and resident commissioners, serve exclusively in the House of Representatives. The U.S. Senate does not have non-voting members representing territories or the District of Columbia; its members are all voting senators. The only exception in the Senate is the Vice President of the United States, who presides over the Senate and can only vote to break a tie.

When did the concept of territorial delegates to Congress first emerge in American history?

The concept of territorial delegates predates the U.S. Constitution. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 allowed territories with a minimum population of five thousand free male inhabitants of voting age to elect a non-voting delegate to the Continental Congress. This provision was later extended to territories south of the Ohio River by the first United States Congress after the Constitution's ratification.

What historical event led to the creation of the 'resident commissioner' title for representation in the U.S. House?

The title of 'resident commissioner' emerged to represent areas acquired by the United States following the Spanish-American War. Many of these areas, such as Puerto Rico and the Philippines, were initially considered colonies rather than territories and their residents did not initially possess U.S. citizenship rights, leading to a distinct representative title.

What is the historical significance of the 1817 act concerning delegates to Congress?

The act passed in 1817 served to codify the term and privileges of delegates. It formally established that delegates from territories with established temporary governments would serve two-year terms, mirroring those of House members, and would have the right to debate on the House floor but not to vote.

How long did the Philippines have representation in the U.S. House of Representatives, and under what status?

The Philippines elected non-voting resident commissioners to the U.S. House of Representatives from 1907 to 1937 while it was a U.S. territory. Subsequently, from 1937 to 1946, during its period as a U.S. commonwealth, the Philippines sent one non-voting resident commissioner. Representation ceased after the Philippines gained its independence in 1946.

What was the unique situation regarding John Sevier's congressional service in 1790?

In 1790, John Sevier, the former governor of the State of Franklin, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives representing North Carolina's Washington District. However, the North Carolina government had already ceded this district to the federal government, which organized it as the Southwest Territory. Sevier served in the House until March 1791, representing an area that was transitioning from state territory to federal territory.

What was the debate surrounding James White's seating as a delegate for the Southwest Territory in 1794?

When James White was elected as the delegate for the Southwest Territory in 1794, the House debated his status because the Constitution did not explicitly define the role of a delegate. Questions arose about which chamber he should sit in and whether his right to debate should be limited. Ultimately, the House voted to allow him a non-voting seat, establishing a precedent for territorial delegates.

What was James Madison's perspective on the oath of office for James White, the first delegate from the Southwest Territory?

James Madison argued that James White, as a delegate, was not technically a member of Congress according to the Constitution. Therefore, Madison believed White could not be directed to take the oath of office unless he chose to do so voluntarily, highlighting the ambiguous constitutional status of delegates at the time.

Which U.S. territory had delegates serving for the longest duration according to the provided list?

According to the table of past delegates, the territory that had delegates serving for the longest duration was New Mexico Territory, which had representation for 61 years, from 1851 to 1912.

Which U.S. territory had delegates serving for the second-longest duration?

The territory with the second-longest duration of delegate representation was Hawaii Territory, which had delegates for 59 years, from 1900 to 1959.

How did the District of Columbia eventually gain a non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives after an initial period?

The District of Columbia had a delegate from 1871 to 1875, but this representation was terminated. It remained without a delegate until 1971, when the House of Representatives agreed to seat Walter E. Fauntroy. Eleanor Holmes Norton later succeeded Fauntroy and continues to hold the position.

What is the significance of Stacey Plaskett's role in the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump?

Stacey Plaskett, the current delegate representing the U.S. Virgin Islands, holds the distinction of being the first non-voting delegate to serve as an impeachment manager during the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump. This highlights the evolving roles and responsibilities assigned to non-voting members.

How did the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) transition to having a non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives?

For thirty years, the CNMI elected a resident representative without congressional rights. However, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 changed this by replacing the resident representative position with a non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives. The first delegate under this new system was elected in November 2008.

Which Native American tribes have treaty rights to send delegates to Congress, and why have these rights historically not been fully realized?

The Cherokee and Choctaw tribes possess treaty rights to send non-voting delegates to Congress, stemming from treaties signed in 1785 and 1830, respectively. These rights are contingent on Congress making provisions for such delegates. Historically, Congress has never enacted legislation to establish these delegate positions, leaving the treaty rights unfulfilled until recent developments with the Cherokee Nation.

What is the current status of the Cherokee Nation's effort to seat a delegate in the House of Representatives?

In August 2019, the Cherokee Nation formally announced its intention to appoint a delegate, nominating Kimberly Teehee. While the House must vote to formally admit her, concerns have been raised by some congressional leaders regarding the appointment method versus election by tribal members. Teehee's appointment was not finalized in the 116th Congress and faced delays, with her remaining unseated as of September 2022, though the Cherokee Nation continues to press for her seating.

How do the non-voting tribal delegates in the Maine House of Representatives differ from federal delegates?

Unlike federal delegates whose rights are rooted in treaties or federal law, the non-voting tribal delegates in the Maine House of Representatives (representing the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, and Maliseet tribes) are established by state law. This distinction highlights different mechanisms for incorporating indigenous representation within governmental structures.

What are some of the legal and procedural questions surrounding the seating of Native American delegates in the House?

Several complex issues exist, including potential conflicts with the 'one person, one vote' principle if tribes already have voting members. There's also the question of which specific federally recognized tribes would appoint a delegate if multiple related groups exist, such as the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. These concerns were addressed in a 2022 Congressional Research Service report.

How have the voting rights of non-voting delegates on the House floor evolved since 1993?

The voting rights of delegates on the House floor have fluctuated significantly. In 1993, they were granted the right to vote in the Committee of the Whole, but only if their votes did not determine the outcome of a measure. This was revoked in 1995 by Republicans, restored by Democrats in 2007, revoked again by Republicans in 2011, and then restored by Democrats in 2019, allowing them to vote in the Committee of the Whole, a status that continues in the 118th Congress.

What was the Republican objection to granting floor voting privileges to delegates in 1993?

Republicans objected to the 1993 rule change that allowed delegates to vote in the Committee of the Whole, labeling it as partisanship. They argued that since all delegates at the time were either Democrats or allied with Democrats, granting them votes would artificially inflate Democratic vote totals, especially after the Democrats had lost seats in the preceding election.

Who are the current non-voting members of the U.S. House of Representatives as of the 119th Congress, and what are their party affiliations?

As of the 119th Congress, the six non-voting members consist of three Democrats and three Republicans. Amata Coleman Radewagen (American Samoa) and James Moylan (Guam) are Republicans. Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia), Stacey Plaskett (U.S. Virgin Islands), and Pablo Hernández Rivera (Puerto Rico, affiliated with the Popular Democratic Party) are Democrats. Kimberlyn King-Hinds (Northern Mariana Islands) is a Republican.

What is the significance of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 regarding territorial representation?

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was a foundational document that established a process for territories to gain representation in the national government. It stipulated that territories with at least five thousand free male inhabitants of voting age could elect a non-voting delegate to the Continental Congress, setting a precedent for territorial representation.

What is the difference between a 'delegate' and a 'resident commissioner' in the U.S. House of Representatives?

While both delegates and resident commissioners are non-voting members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the term 'resident commissioner' is specifically used for the representative from Puerto Rico. Additionally, the resident commissioner serves a four-year term, unlike delegates who serve two-year terms. Historically, resident commissioners also represented territories acquired after the Spanish-American War.

What was the historical context for the U.S. Virgin Islands becoming a U.S. territory with congressional representation?

The U.S. Virgin Islands became a U.S. territory in 1917 after being purchased from Denmark through the Treaty of the Danish West Indies. It wasn't until 1972 that the House agreed to admit a delegate, Ron de Lugo, representing the islands, marking the beginning of their non-voting representation in Congress.

What is the 'Committee of the Whole' in the U.S. House of Representatives, and how does it relate to delegate voting rights?

The Committee of the Whole is a procedural device in the House where all members gather to debate and amend legislation. Since 1993, non-voting delegates have been permitted to vote within the Committee of the Whole, although their votes have historically not affected the final outcome if they were decisive. This right has been subject to changes based on House rules adopted by the majority party.

What is the significance of the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek regarding representation?

The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, signed in 1830 with the Choctaw Nation, included a provision promising the tribe the right to send a delegate to Congress, contingent upon Congress making the necessary provisions. While the Choctaw have never had a delegate seated under this treaty, it represents one of the historical claims for Native American representation in the U.S. Congress.

What is the 'Huntington–Hill method' mentioned in the context of congressional districts?

The Huntington-Hill method is a mathematical formula used for the apportionment of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives among the states based on population changes following each decennial census. While not directly related to non-voting members, it's part of the broader system of congressional districting and representation.

What does the term 'gerrymandering' refer to in the context of U.S. congressional districts?

Gerrymandering is the practice of drawing the boundaries of electoral districts in a way that gives one political party an unfair advantage. This manipulation of district lines can affect the representation of both voting and non-voting areas, although non-voting members typically represent entire territories or districts at-large.

What is the 'Origination Clause' and how does it relate to the House of Representatives?

The Origination Clause, found in Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution, states that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives. This clause underscores the primary role of the House in fiscal matters and applies to legislation introduced by all members, including non-voting delegates who can introduce bills.

What is a 'quorum call' in the context of House procedures?

A quorum call is a procedure used in the U.S. House of Representatives to ascertain whether a majority of members are present. It can be requested to compel absent members to attend floor proceedings. Non-voting delegates are counted towards the quorum, meaning their presence contributes to the minimum number of members required for official business.

What does it mean for a bill to be passed by 'unanimous consent' in the House?

Passing a bill by unanimous consent means that all members present on the floor agree to consider and pass the measure without objection. This is a faster way to move legislation, and non-voting delegates can participate in these proceedings, though their lack of a final vote means they cannot unilaterally block or advance a bill against majority opposition.

What are 'Articles of impeachment' in relation to the House of Representatives?

Articles of impeachment are the formal charges brought by the House of Representatives against a federal official, such as the President, Vice President, or a federal judge, for 'Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.' The House has the sole power of impeachment, and non-voting delegates can participate in this process, including serving as impeachment managers, as demonstrated by Stacey Plaskett.

What is a 'self-executing rule' in House procedures?

A self-executing rule is a special rule adopted by the House that automatically brings a bill to the floor for consideration and amendment once certain conditions are met, often upon the adoption of the rule itself. Non-voting delegates can participate in the debate and voting related to these rules and the subsequent consideration of the bill.

What are the main House office buildings mentioned in the article?

The article lists several House office buildings: the Cannon House Office Building, the Ford House Office Building, the Longworth House Office Building, the O'Neill House Office Building, and the Rayburn House Office Building. These buildings provide workspace for members and their staff.

What is the significance of the 'Treaty of the Danish West Indies' in relation to U.S. territorial representation?

The Treaty of the Danish West Indies, finalized in 1916, led to the United States' purchase of the islands from Denmark, establishing them as the U.S. Virgin Islands territory. This acquisition eventually resulted in the islands gaining non-voting representation in the U.S. House of Representatives, starting with Ron de Lugo in 1972.

What is the role of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) concerning Native American representation in Congress?

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) provides non-partisan research and analysis to Congress. In 2022, the CRS published a report titled 'Legal and Procedural Issues Related to Seating a Cherokee Nation Delegate in the House of Representatives,' addressing the complexities and potential challenges associated with seating such a delegate.

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Understanding the Role

Definition and Scope

Non-voting members of the United States House of Representatives, known as delegates or a resident commissioner (for Puerto Rico), represent their respective territories and the District of Columbia. While they lack a vote on the full House floor, they possess floor privileges and can participate in other House functions, including introducing legislation and voting within committees.

Privileges and Limitations

These representatives receive compensation, benefits, and franking privileges akin to voting members. However, their legislative power is constrained; they may debate but cannot cast votes on final passage of bills in the full House. Their voting rights in committees have evolved over time, subject to House rules.

Geographic Representation

Currently, six non-voting members serve: delegates for the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, alongside a resident commissioner for Puerto Rico. These roles are filled through elections, typically every two years, with Puerto Rico's resident commissioner serving a four-year term.

Member Privileges

Compensation and Benefits

Non-voting members are entitled to the same compensation and benefits as their voting colleagues. This includes salary, staff allowances, and access to resources necessary for representing their constituents and performing legislative duties.

Franking Privilege

A significant privilege extended to these members is the franking privilege, allowing them to send official mail to their constituents without requiring postage stamps. This facilitates communication and constituent outreach.

Floor and Committee Access

Delegates and the resident commissioner have the right to debate on the House floor and serve on committees, where they can vote. This committee participation is crucial for shaping legislation relevant to their jurisdictions, even without a vote in the full chamber.

Historical Trajectory

Origins of Delegate Representation

The concept of territorial delegates predates the U.S. Constitution, with the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 establishing the framework. Early delegates were granted seats in Congress, though their precise status and privileges were debated, eventually leading to codified rights and responsibilities by the early 19th century.

Evolution and Expansion

From the late 18th century through the 19th century, numerous territories sent delegates. The practice saw fluctuations, with temporary absences and periods of significant delegate presence. The late 20th century marked a resurgence in territorial representation as various U.S. territories gained delegate status.

The Resident Commissioner

The role of Resident Commissioner emerged with the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico following the Spanish-American War. This position, distinct in its four-year term, mirrors the delegate's function but carries specific historical and legal context tied to the island's status.

The Resident Commissioner

Puerto Rico's Representation

Puerto Rico, a U.S. commonwealth, has been represented by a non-voting resident commissioner since 1901. This office, similar to a delegate, is unique in its four-year term, a duration unmatched by any other House member.

Historical Philippine Representation

Historically, the Philippines, while a U.S. territory and later a commonwealth, elected two resident commissioners (1907-1937) and then one (1937-1946). Upon gaining independence in 1946, this representation ceased.

Current Delegates

Geographic Distribution

As of the 119th Congress, six non-voting members represent distinct U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. These include delegates from American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, alongside Puerto Rico's resident commissioner.

Party Affiliations

The current delegation comprises members from both major parties. Three delegates are affiliated with the Republican Party, while three are associated with the Democratic Party (including the Popular Democratic Party affiliate from Puerto Rico).

Proposed Representation

Native American Tribes

Treaty rights grant the Cherokee and Choctaw nations the potential to appoint delegates to Congress. While Congress has not yet formalized this, the Cherokee Nation has formally nominated a delegate, raising discussions on tribal sovereignty and representation.

Senate Representation Proposals

Legislation has been introduced proposing the election of non-voting delegates from territories and DC to the U.S. Senate, aiming to enhance representation at the highest federal level. These proposals underscore ongoing debates about the political status and rights of U.S. territories.

Voting Rights Dynamics

Historical Shifts

The voting power of delegates has been a dynamic aspect of House rules. From 1993 to 1995, they could vote in the Committee of the Whole, a privilege later revoked and subsequently reinstated and modified by different Congresses, reflecting partisan shifts and ongoing debates.

Current Status

Since the 116th Congress, delegates have retained the right to vote in the Committee of the Whole. This practice continues into the 118th Congress, representing a significant, albeit limited, expansion of their procedural influence.

Legislative Records

Past Delegate Service

An overview of historical delegate representation, detailing the territories served and the duration of their service provides context for the evolution of this unique congressional role.

Overview of Delegates
District	Start	End	Duration (years)
Alabama Territory	1818	1819	1
Alaska Territory	1906	1959	53
Arizona Territory	1864	1912	48
Arkansas Territory	1819	1836	17
Colorado Territory	1861	1876	15
Dakota Territory	1861	1889	28
Florida Territory	1822	1845	23
Hawaii Territory	1900	1959	59
Idaho Territory	1864	1890	26
Illinois Territory	1812	1818	6
Indiana Territory	1805	1816	11
Iowa Territory	1838	1846	8
Kansas Territory	1854	1861	7
Michigan Territory	1819	1836	17
Minnesota Territory	1849	1858	9
Mississippi Territory	1801	1817	16
Missouri Territory	1812	1821	9
Montana Territory	1865	1889	24
Nebraska Territory	1855	1867	12
Nevada Territory	1861	1864	3
New Mexico Territory	1851	1912	61
Northwest Territory	1799	1802	3
Oklahoma Territory	1890	1907	17
Oregon Territory	1849	1859	10
Orleans Territory	1806	1812	6
Philippines	1907	1946	39
Southwest Territory	1794	1796	2
Utah Territory	1851	1897	46
Washington Territory	1854	1889	35
Wisconsin Territory	1836	1848	12
Wyoming Territory	1869	1890	21

Current Delegation

An overview of the current non-voting members, detailing their district, title, party affiliation, and tenure provides a snapshot of contemporary representation.

Overview of current non-voting members of the House
District	Title	Incumbent	Party	House Caucus Affiliation	First elected
American Samoa at-large	Delegate	Amata Coleman Radewagen	Republican	Republican	2014
District of Columbia at-large	Delegate	Eleanor Holmes Norton	Democratic	Democratic	1990
Guam at-large	Delegate	James Moylan	Republican	Republican	2022
Northern Mariana Islands at-large	Delegate	Kimberlyn King-Hinds	Republican	Republican	2024
Puerto Rico at-large	Resident commissioner	Pablo Hernández Rivera	Popular Democratic	Democratic	2024
U.S. Virgin Islands at-large	Delegate	Stacey Plaskett	Democratic	Democratic	2014

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References

48 U.S.C. Â§ 1715

Annals of Congress, vol. 4, 3rd Cong., 2nd sess., November 18, 1794, pp. 884â889. cited in Palmer, ibid.

"Peter P. Pitchlynn Collection", Western Histories Collection, University of Oklahoma Libraries

Section 891, of Title 48 of the U. S. Code

H.Res. 6, 104th Congress

H.Res. 78, 110th Congress

H.Res. 5, 112th Congress

A full list of references for this article are available at the Non-voting members of the United States House of Representatives Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data from Wikipedia, which may not be exhaustive or entirely current. The information presented here is not a substitute for professional legal or political analysis.

This is not legal advice. Always consult official government sources and qualified professionals for definitive legal and political guidance. The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.

The Unseen Voices

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Understanding the Role 🏛️

👤 Definition and Scope

⚖️ Privileges and Limitations

📍 Geographic Representation

Member Privileges 🔑

💰 Compensation and Benefits

✉️ Franking Privilege

🗣️ Floor and Committee Access

Historical Trajectory ⏳

📜 Origins of Delegate Representation

📈 Evolution and Expansion

🇵🇷 The Resident Commissioner

The Resident Commissioner 🇵🇷

🇵🇷 Puerto Rico's Representation

🇵🇭 Historical Philippine Representation

Current Delegates 📍

🇺🇸 Geographic Distribution

📊 Party Affiliations

Proposed Representation 💡

🤝 Native American Tribes

🏛️ Senate Representation Proposals

Voting Rights Dynamics 🗳️

🔄 Historical Shifts

⚖️ Current Status

Legislative Records 📊

📅 Past Delegate Service

👥 Current Delegation

Related Topics 🔗

📜 Congressional Roles

🗺️ Geographic Representation

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Understanding the Role

Definition and Scope

Privileges and Limitations

Geographic Representation

Member Privileges

Compensation and Benefits

Franking Privilege

Floor and Committee Access

Historical Trajectory

Origins of Delegate Representation

Evolution and Expansion

The Resident Commissioner

The Resident Commissioner

Puerto Rico's Representation

Historical Philippine Representation

Current Delegates

Geographic Distribution

Party Affiliations

Proposed Representation

Native American Tribes

Senate Representation Proposals

Voting Rights Dynamics

Historical Shifts

Current Status

Legislative Records

Past Delegate Service

Current Delegation

Related Topics

Congressional Roles

Geographic Representation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice