USPS Reform: Lower rate hikes, penalties for poor service, and customer advocacy.
This Act significantly changes how the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) sets prices, limiting annual rate increases for most mail products. A key provision allows for financial penalties—in the form of reduced maximum rate increases—if USPS service quality remains poor for over a year. Furthermore, it establishes an Office of the Customer Advocate to represent citizens' interests in postal disputes and proceedings.
Key points
Rate Hike Limits: Annual price increases for market-dominant postal products (like letters) will be lower, tied to the Consumer Price Index minus 0.5%.
Penalties for Poor Service: If USPS fails to meet service quality targets for at least one year (and the failure is not due to natural disaster), the Postal Regulatory Commission can reduce the maximum allowable rate increase.
Customer Representation: An Office of the Customer Advocate is established within the Postal Regulatory Commission to represent the general public and customer interests in rate and service proceedings.
Retirement Fund Investment: A portion (25%) of the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund will be invested in index funds to potentially improve the financial stability of retiree health benefits.
Introduced
Citizen Poll