Postal Innovation Act

Bill: 114-hr-3319
Sponsor: Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3]
Introduced: 2015-07-29 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Alcoholic beverages
Bank accounts, deposits, capital
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Congressional oversight
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Emergency communications systems
Energy efficiency and conservation
Government studies and investigations
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Motor vehicles
Oil and gas
Postal service
Public contracts and procurement
Public-private cooperation
Rural conditions and development
Telephone and wireless communication
Transportation safety and security
U.S. Postal Service
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2015-07-29
text: 

Postal Innovation Act

 
This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to establish a pilot program to provide nonpostal services through public-private partnerships in five postal districts or regions, including at least one rural area. Such nonpostal services may include financial services, warehousing, experimental postal products market testing, community support services, Internet voting, municipal broadband and public wireless Internet service, emergency broadband Internet service, and passport services. The bill also authorizes the USPS to furnish property and services to a state, local, or tribal government. USPS may use cost savings from providing such services to reinvest in innovation, research and development, and operations.
 
The bill sets forth conditions under which alcoholic beverages shall be considered mailable. They must be mailed: (1) by a covered shipper, (2) in accordance with delivery requirements otherwise applicable to privately carried shipments, and (3) by a means that ensures direct delivery to a duly authorized agent at a postal facility or to the addressee, who must be at least 21 years of age and must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of delivery. The alcoholic beverage may not be for resale or other commercial purpose.
 
The bill authorizes USPS to enter into contracts to upgrade its fleet of vehicles to increase long-term savings by reducing collision, maintenance, fuel, or other costs. USPS must: (1) develop guidelines for carbon dioxide emissions, fuel economy, and safety for its vehicles; and (2) reduce the petroleum consumption of its vehicles by not less than 2% annually through the end of FY2025. 
 
The Government Accountability Office must conduct a study on the feasibility of USPS providing Internet services to the public.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-10-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
action_date: 2015-07-29
text: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2015-07-29
text: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2015-07-29
text: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2015-07-29
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1165-1166)
action_date: 2015-07-29
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-07-29
text: Introduced in House