by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Freshman Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. has introduced a resolution urging Congress to restore floor voting rights to the delegates of the United States territories. On the same day members of the 112th Congress, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted to strip the delegates voting rights.

Delegates from the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, CNMI, Guam and the Virgin Islands expressed their disappointment and are asking that their rights be restored. Resolution 4 urges Congress to demonstrate a strong commitment to the U.S. citizens residing in Guam and the other territories and districts, recognizing that the voices of all U.S. citizens are important and must be recognized and represented in the House.

It also urges Congress to take immediate action to restore voting privileges to Territorial and district delegates so as to ensure a fair democratic system for all U.S. citizens.