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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Parliamentary Rights of the Delegates and Resident Commissioner From Puerto Rico


Christopher M. Davis
Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Process

As officers who represent territories and properties possessed or administered by the United States but not admitted to statehood, the five House Delegates and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico are not Members of Congress, and do not enjoy all the same parliamentary rights as Members. They may vote and otherwise act similarly to Members in legislative committee; may not vote in the House, but may participate in debate and make most motions there; and, under the rules of the 111th Congress (2009-2010), may preside over, and vote in, Committee of the Whole subject to an immediate revote in the House if their votes are decisive.

A proposed rules change for the 112
th Congress (2011-2012) released by the House Republican leadership in December of 2010 would, if subsequently adopted by the House, eliminate the right of the Delegates and Resident Commissioner to vote in, or preside over, the Committee of the Whole.


Date of Report: December 23, 2010
Number of Pages: 6
Order Number: R40170
Price: $19.95

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