Government affairs

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) reintroduced the Easy Access to Mail Act (H.R. 1102) today, which seeks to limit the use of centralized delivery.

Specifically, the legislation would require USPS to work alongside local and state governments before determining the type of mail service a community receives.

H.R. 1102 prohibits any retroactive changes in delivery mode for new housing developments, specifically single-family residential homes or townhouses. According to Postal Service regulations, new developments under these criteria receive centralized or curbside delivery, which is not the preference of homeowners and nearly impossible to change to the door unless a hardship exception is approved by the Postal Service.

While Rep. Burchett’s bill seeks to allow developers of new homes a greater say in their mode, NALC does not believe these changes should be legislated at the federal level. In addition, including local and state governments in the process could be problematic.

Despite NALC’s concerns, we appreciate the introduction of Rep. Burchett’s legislation and his attention to the issue.

NALC will continue to monitor the bill and will update letter carriers on any future action.