  We summarize the main ingredients of a unifying theory for abelian quantum
Hall states. This theory combines the Finkelstein approach to localization and
interaction effects with the topological concept of an instanton vacuum as well
as Chern-Simons gauge theory. We elaborate on the meaning of a new symmetry
($\cal F$ invariance) for systems with an infinitely ranged interaction
potential. We address the renormalization of the theory and present the main
results in terms of a scaling diagram of the conductances.
