POSTAL Act
Summary
H.R. 1310, the Postal Operations Stay Timely And Local Act (POSTAL Act), would restrict the U.S. Postal Service's ability to restructure its operations. Specifically, the bill would prohibit USPS from closing, consolidating, downgrading, or taking similar actions regarding any processing and distribution center in a state if doing so would result in that state having no such facilities remaining. Processing and distribution centers are central mail facilities that handle incoming and outgoing mail for designated service areas.
This bill is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. If enacted, it would limit USPS's operational flexibility in managing its network infrastructure. The bill has bipartisan sponsorship, having been introduced by Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) along with Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH). The practical effect would be to preserve at least one mail processing facility in every state, potentially affecting USPS's ability to consolidate operations or reduce costs through facility closures.
