US Postal Service Modernization: Better Service, Rate Caps, and Financial Stability.
This bill introduces reforms aimed at improving the quality and financial stability of the US Postal Service (USPS). Citizens benefit from stronger consumer protection, including a new Customer Advocate and mechanisms to penalize USPS for persistent service failures by reducing future rate increases. The changes also limit price hikes to once a year, tie them more closely to inflation, and mandate new investment strategies for retiree health funds.
Key points
Financial penalties for USPS: Future rate increases can be reduced if the Postal Service consistently fails to meet delivery targets for market-dominant products.
Establishment of an independent Office of the Customer Advocate to represent the public interest in all postal regulatory proceedings.
Rate increases are limited to once every 12 months and are capped based on inflation (Consumer Price Index) minus a cost-efficiency factor.
If a rate is found unlawful, USPS must compensate customers by reducing future price increase authority until the overcharged amount is recovered.
Mandatory investment of a portion of the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund into index funds to improve long-term financial health.
Expired
Citizen Poll