Government affairs

Legislative Updates

Postal reform status

As reported last month, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs (HSGAC) Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE) introduced the Improving Postal Operations, Service and Transparency (iPost) Act of 2015, S. 2051. Introduction of the bill serves as a starting point for a conversation and potential changes to the bill in the coming weeks and months. One question that NALC members may have is: Where do we go from here?

Based on just this week’s agenda on Capitol Hill—which featured more theatrics and less legislating (i.e., Planned Parenthood defunding, more Benghazi talk, email scandals, presidential primary season posturing, and GOP House leadership elections)—following Congress is akin to watching a bizarre reality television show. No matter what next week brings on the Hill, one thing is clear: If there is opportunity, time and willingness, it’s possible that Congress could look at postal reform, and that means we need to be on our game and have our voices heard in the Capitol.

With Carper’s bill being the only real “reform” bill out there to date, S. 2051 is expected to change over the next few months as stakeholders provide feedback. Therefore, it is imperative that NALC members familiarize themselves with this comprehensive bill and NALC’s position on it—that it’s a good start, but we cannot endorse it in its current form.

In addition, the House continues its bipartisan discussions on a postal path forward.

Please take a look at the reforms NALC believes to be the right ones Congress should focus on. Please also let your members of Congress know that NALC is committed to working with all members on both sides of the aisle, along with the Postal Service and mailing industry stakeholders, to promote consensus reform that addresses the pre-funding mandate, protects vital services, preserves the networks and works for all stakeholders.


Fact sheet: NALC priorities for postal reform


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