PROBLEMS WITH FEDERAL LAWS There is no federal ries should be treated in result, some laws apply Many territory officials extended without adequate that they constrain local policy which details how the territoformulating and extending laws. As a to some territories but not others. believe that some federal laws are consideration of local conditions and development efforts. The federal government acknowledged the problems created by federal laws as early as 1950 and 1954 when temporary laws commissions were created for Guam and the Virgin Islands, respectively. Since 1980, several efforts have been initiated to help remedy the problem, including the creation of a laws commission for the Northern Mariana Islands in 1980 and a Department of Interior study of federal laws begun in 1981. Both efforts are ongoing. In addition, at least one area of concern to the Pacific territories--fishing--has been studied by the Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Service. Inconsistent application of federal laws Table 3 illustrates inconsistently applied. and others as Go nat provide some constraints benefits categories of laws Territorial officials cite to economic development received by other which are these laws because territories, do they recognize a unique local condition, are costly to implement, deprive the territory of a means to generate revenue. Federal officials involved believe that, not or in examining the legal questions for the most part, the territories are added to legislation with little consideration of the potential impact on them and must fend for themselves when a law or program causes a problem. Table 3 Examples of Inconsistent Application of Federal Laws Puerto Rico Jones Act Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Internal Revenue Code Virgin Islands American Samoa i Guam NMI Applies in part Exempt Exempt Applies Exempt Applies Applies Exempt Applies Exempt Exempt Applies Exempt Applies Applies@ 4Effective January 1, 1985 i : ; 4 30° 9000231. f