‘ REPORT BY THE US. General Accounting Office Issues Affecting U.S. Territory And Insular Policy The United States faces a complex set of policy issues with its principal territories-American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The issues involve political, economic, and organizational relationships between the federal government and the territories in Such areas as political status; treatment under federal policies, laws, and programs; economic and financial assistance; and representation and oversight. GAO believes federal policymakers in the Congress and executive branch will likely be challenged to further clarify policy toward the territories and to enhance federalterritorial relations. GAO is providing infor- mation and views which are intended to contribute to the debate on whether further policy guidance is needed. GAO/NSIAD-85-44 FEBRUARY 7, 1985