The Congressional delegate representing the U.S. Virgin Islands interrupted the House Speaker election on Friday, Jan. 3. She said the objection was because she and five other representatives can’t vote.
“This body and this nation has a territories and a colonies problem. What was supposed to be temporary has now effectively become permanent,” Rep. Stacey Plaskett, D-VI, said. “I have a voice.”
Five delegates and one resident commissioner aren’t allowed to vote on the House floor. They collectively represent four million people in the Virgin Islands, America Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico.
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Plaskett made a parliamentary inquiry on the House floor. Once she started making a political statement, her mic was cut off, and she was gaveled down. Democrats gave her a standing ovation while Republicans called for order.
Those who say the representatives shouldn’t vote point to Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, which defines members of the House of Representatives as those “chosen every second year by the People of the several States.” Delegates and resident commissioners represent territories, not states.
However, those who say representatives from territories should be allowed to vote contend the current rule leads to taxation without representation.
Delegates and resident commissioners have many of the same rights and responsibilities as other members. They can sit on committees and question witnesses. They can also have constituent services offices, participate in debates about bills and even offer amendments.
If any of the territories became states, they would have two senators and one representative for approximately every 750,000 residents. All of whom would have the full rights and privileges of a member.
