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. 5000222 15