In the mid-1960s, many small territories with little prospects of becoming states began to petition for representation in Congress. Starting in 1970, the House of Representatives started to grant representation to territories, but with limited voting rights.
Delegates, representing territories that had not yet achieved statehood, have served in the House since the late 1700s. In the 114th Congress, the U.S. insular areas of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia's federal municipality gained representation in Congress by a delegate to the House of Representatives. Also, Puerto Rico is represented by a resident commissioner, whose position is treated the same as a delegate.
Currently, delegates enjoy powers, rights, and responsibilities identical, in many respects, to those of House Members from the states. Delegates can speak and introduce bills and resolutions on the floor of the House, offer amendments and most motions on the House floor, and speak and vote in House committees. Delegates are not, however, Members of the House. They cannot vote on the House floor; consequently, they cannot offer motions to reconsider a vote during floor debate, and they are not counted for quorum purposes in the House. Delegates are currently not permitted to vote in or preside over either the Committee of the Whole or the House.
The Virgin Islands provided six delegates to Congress. In this order, Ron de Lugo, Melvin H. Evans, Ron de Lugo, Victor O. Frazer, Donna Christian Christiansen, and Stacey Plaskett. Currently, Delegate Stacey Plaskett serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, the oldest and one of the most exclusive committees in Congress and House Committee on Budget. Hon. Stacey Plaskett has become a powerful force in Congress and uses her influence to provide more opportunities for the Virgin Islands. Most recently, Delegate Plaskett served as an impeachment manager for the second Trump impeachment trial. The Delegate received national attention for her sharpness as a prosecutor and her impeachment attire which garnered further adoration.
