The Caucus was created to develop the first dialogue ever among legislative leaders of the United States' outlying states and territories, identify common problems, many of which are not shared by the forty-eight contiguous states, and seek consensus regarding possible solutions. Among the issues initially discussed is the less-than-equal treatment by Federal agencies and private corporations, the lack of coverage of FCC-licensed satellite radio services in the non-contiguous areas of the nation and their non-inclusion in the 50 State Quarters program.
As a result of efforts by several caucus members, including a letter by them to the Federal Communications Commission included in the XM/Sirius merger docket, Sirius has committed to take steps within 90 days of FCC approval of the merger to provide coverage to the most populated outlying area, Puerto Rico.
Senate leaders in American Samoa and the United States Virgin Islands will be invited to join the caucus.