This bill matters because it addresses a long-standing issue of higher costs and limited access to goods for millions of Americans living outside the mainland U.S. Currently, residents and businesses in places like Hawaii or Puerto Rico often pay significantly more for shipping or find that certain products simply aren't available to them due to logistics or cost. This creates an economic disadvantage and can lead to higher prices for everything from basic necessities to materials needed for local businesses.

If this bill becomes law, it could significantly reduce the cost of living and doing business in non-contiguous areas, promoting economic equity and better access to a wider range of products. If it doesn't become law, these areas will likely continue to face disproportionately high shipping fees and potential exclusion from shipping services, perpetuating existing economic disparities.