prior
to
then,
a
policy
framework
lacking and concluded that
"Over the
government
past
has
for
the
territories
several years,
the federal
attempted
to
rectify
many
pressing problems facing the territories.
Many
cases,
was
however,
the
piecemeal
In
solutions ~
devised have failed to clear up the underlying causes of those problems.
While some
federal
actions
have
contributed
to
the
development of the territories, others have
not promoted the greater self-sufficiency to
which they justly aspire."
Some
specific
implemented.
of
Territorial
initiatives
For example,
Affairs
was
in
the
policy
statement
were
the Department of-Interior's Office
reorganized
tant Secretary to provide a stronger
In addition, Interior was established
and
headed
by an Assis-
voice within Interior.
as the focal point for
political status discussions.
Most other initiatives were never
fully
carried
out,
including
multi-year
economic
planning,.
establishment of a federal laws commission, and full extension
of the Internal Revenue Code to the territories.
Since 1980, no comprehensive effort has been made to establish a more clearly defined and consistent policy for the terri-
tories.
Territory officials believe that federal relations with
the territories have improved but that policy direction is
lacking, particularly for economic development.
Many officials
believe federal policy is haphazardly applied to the territories
in such areas as federal laws, programs, and policies and that a
more comprehensive, defined approach is needed for the territories
to
develop
sufficient,
and
United States.
their
economies,
establish
(See ch.
5.)
a
become
more
more
permanent
financially
status
with
self-
the
CONCLUSION
The trend in political development of U.S. territories is
clearly toward greater self-government and responsibility for
local affairs.
Many of the territories continue to press for
clarification in their relationship with the federal government;
some, such as Guam are doing so through political status discus-
sions.
The terms of discussion focus heavily on economic and
. representation issues.
In addition, many territory officials
are calling for a more clearly defined federal policy to better
address their economic, political,
and social concerns.
As
noted in chapter 2, until the Congress chooses to exercise its
constitutional prerogative to establish an ultimate status for
the territories, it is likely that federal-territory relations
will continue to be ambiguous and somewhat contentious.
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