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 1904 to apply to Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Since 1946, only Puerto Rico has had a resident commissioner.

 

Delegates and the resident commissioner may participate in House debate but they are not permitted to vote on the floor. Delegates and resident commissioners have no vote in the Committee of the Whole. All serve on committees of the House and possess powers and privileges equal to other Members in committee. Currently, there is one delegate for each of the following: the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Guam and America Samoa; 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.