U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) led members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in introducing legislation on Tuesday to make U.S. Postal Service (USPS) reforms to hold mailing costs in check.
Chaffetz, the chairman of the committee, was joined by U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), the ranking member, and other bipartisan committee leaders in introducing the Postal Service Reform Act, H.R. 756.
“This bipartisan measure will make the policy changes that are most urgently needed to put the Postal Service on sound and sustainable long-term financial footing,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement.
H.R. 756 followed a committee hearing on the need for comprehensive USPS reforms in May.
The measure would cut approximately $2.2 billion in spending, hold the postmaster general more accountable, and improve oversight by having the Postal Regulatory Commission review rates and mail delivery performance metrics.
“This collaborative reform effort places the Postal Service on a path toward a viable future,” the lawmakers added.
Additionally, the legislation would clarify that USPS is responsible for accrued pension liabilities while taking steps to improve the coordination of employee health care through a USPS-only health plan and Medicare integration.
H.R. 756 would also take steps to raise postal revenue by having USPS provide state, local and tribal government services at local post offices.