zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Postal Service Protection Act of 2013 - Sets forth rules for the recalculation of annuities for employees of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and for the redetermination of surplus or supplemental liabilities under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Prescribes the "average pay" to be used in calculating annuities and surplus amounts.

Authorizes the transfer of surplus postal retirement contributions in FY2010 to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, the Postal Service Fund, and the Employees' Compensation Fund under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) and to USPS for payment of its debt obligations.

Eliminates the requirement for pre-funding of the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund.

Sets forth criteria for the closing or consolidation of postal facilities.

Allows USPS to provide any nonpostal service or product in a manner consistent with the public interest.

Provides for the mailing of wine and beer sent by a licensed winery or brewery in accordance with the laws of the state, territory, or district where the addressee or agent takes delivery.

Establishes in USPS the position of the Chief Innovation Officer who shall have proven expertise and success in the postal and shipping industry and in innovation, marketing, technology, and management. Establishes a Postal Innovation Advisory Commission. Requires the Postmaster General to report to specified congressional committees and the Postal Regulatory Commmission on a comprehensive strategy for maximizing USPS revenue through innovative postal and nonpostal products and services.

Prohibits USPS from reducing the frequency of mail delivery to fewer than six days each week or from increasing the expected delivery time for market-dominant products.

Repeals the annual limitation on the percentage changes on postal rates for market-dominant products.

Date: 2013-02-13
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Peace Stamp for the Peace Corps Act - Directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a semipostal (a postage stamp sold at a premium in order to help provide funding for certain causes) to benefit the Peace Corps.

Date: 2013-02-28
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
United States Postal Service Stabilization Act of 2013 - Amends provisions concerning the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), with respect to employees of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), to: (1) provide a new formula for calculating employee pension contributions using the normal-cost percentage method multiplied by the aggregate amount of basic pay payable to employees of USPS and the Postal Regulatory Commission, and (2) provide for the use of excess FERS contributions to pay USPS debt obligations and make pension contributions.

Date: 2013-03-05
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Postal Executive Accountability Act - Limits to six the number of United States Postal Service (USPS) officers and employees in very senior executive positions who may be paid at level I of the Executive Schedule and otherwise prohibits the rate of basic pay and bonuses for USPS officers and employees from exceeding the rate of basic pay for level II of the Executive Schedule (currently, level I). Prohibits USPS officers and employees in very senior executive positions from receiving fringe benefits that are greater than the benefits received by other USPS supervisory and managerial personnel who are not subject to collective bargaining agreements.

Date: 2013-03-06
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Community Post Office Relocation Act - Authorizes the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to sell, at fair market value, to certain tax-exempt private organizations fee simple title to USPS-owned post office buildings containing an office subject to relocation.

Requires such tax-exempt private organizations, in order to be considered an eligible buyer, to have operated primarily within the geographic area served by the relevant post office building for at least five years prior to a USPS announcement that the building will be available for sale.

Sets forth a procedure for the USPS to enter negotiations with eligible buyers in the order in which buyers submit their offers. Directs the USPS to sell such a building to the first organization submitting an offer for fair market value if all other relevant conditions are met within specified time periods.

Permits the USPS, after the sale of a building under this Act, to lease the building from the buyer at fair market value for purposes of operating a post office.

Requires the USPS, if a buyer under this Act makes the building available for sale, to maintain a right of first refusal to purchase the building back from the buyer at the lesser of fair market value or the purchase price plus any improvements.

Date: 2013-03-06
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
United States Postal Service Shipping Equity Act - Authorizes the mailing of wine or malt beverages by licensed wineries or breweries in accordance with the law of the state, territory, or district of the United States where the addressee or duly authorized agent takes delivery.

Directs the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to prescribe regulations: (1) requiring such mailing to be through a means established by the USPS to ensure direct delivery to the addressee or a duly authorized agent at a postal facility; (2) requiring the addressee and any agent to be at least 21 years of age and to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of delivery; (3) prohibiting such wine or malt beverages from being for resale or any other commercial purpose; and (4) requiring such wineries or breweries to certify that the mailing is not in violation of applicable laws or USPS regulations and to provide other information as directed by the USPS, including with respect to the prepayment of state alcohol beverage taxes.

Revises the federal criminal code to allow for the mailing of wine and malt beverages pursuant to this Act.

Date: 2013-04-24
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Affordable Care Accountability Act of 2013 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to require any employer contribution made on behalf of  the President, Vice President,  or any political appointee to be paid only to the issuer of a plan through an American Health Benefit Exchange (a state health insurance exchange created under PPACA), and not through the federal employees health benefit program. (Currently, this requirement applies to Members of Congress and congressional staff.)

Date: 2013-05-09
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Families for Foster Youth Stamp Act of 2013 - Requires the United States Postal Service, for a period of at least four years, to provide for the issuance and sale of a semipostal in order to increase funding for effective programs targeted at improving permanency outcomes for youth in foster care.

Divides the amount received from such sales equally between: (1) programs and activities under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 that specifically target improvement in permanency outcomes for youth in foster care through adoption, guardianship, or kinship care; and (2) the program for state courts to assess and improve handling of proceedings relating to foster care and adoption.

Date: 2013-05-23
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Protect Overnight Delivery Act - Repeals the service standards for market-dominant products implemented by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on July 1, 2012, and directs USPS to reinstate the service standards that were in effect on December 31, 2011.

Date: 2013-06-20
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Securing Access to Rural Postal Services Act of 2013 - Prohibits the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), in any calendar year, from closing, consolidating, or suspending the operations of more than 5% of the postal facilities operating as of the first day of such calendar year and that were within specified cost ascertainment groupings as of June 23, 2011, except as specifically authorized by law.

Defines "postal facility" as a post office, post office branch, post office classified station, or other facility operated by the USPS, the primary function of which is to provide retail postal services.

Requires the USPS to conduct nonbinding surveys on proposed post office closings or consolidations to allow customers an opportunity to indicate their preference between or among such a closing or consolidation and one or more alternative options. Directs the USPS, if such a closure or consolidation is necessary, to provide access to postal services through the alternative preferred by survey participants and, if the preferred alternative is unable to be provided or is cost prohibitive, permits the USPS to provide alternative access through different means and requires the USPS to notify customers with a written explanation.

Date: 2013-07-08
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Perpetual POW/MIA Stamp Act - Directs the Postmaster General to provide for the issuance of a forever stamp that honors the sacrifices of the members of the Armed Forces who have been prisoners, missing, or unaccounted for and that depicts the National League of Families POW/MIA flag.

Date: 2013-07-23
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Postmark Payment Act of 2014 - Deems any payment required to be made on or before a prescribed date that is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) after such date to be received by the payee on the date of the U.S. postmark stamped on the envelope or other cover in which such payment is mailed. Exempts from this Act any payment: (1) other than a payment on a bill, invoice, or statement of account due; (2) which is required by law, regulation, or contract to be delivered by any method other than by mail; or (3) which is subject to any other provision of federal law specifying how a postmark date shall be used in determining the date on which such payment shall be deemed to have been delivered or made. Applies the provisions of this Act only if: (1) the postmark date falls on or before the prescribed date for making the payment; and (2) the payment was, on or before such date, deposited in the mail in the United States in an envelope or under other appropriate cover, postage prepaid, and properly addressed to the payee.

Date: 2014-01-16
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Expand Nonpostal Services to Americans Act - Expands the enumerated powers of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to include the authority to provide nonpostal services.

Removes existing conditions that limit nonpostal services to certain services offered as of January 1, 2006.

Date: 2014-01-16
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Federal Leadership in Energy Efficient Transportation Act of 2014 or the FLEET Act - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to expand the definition of "energy or water conservation measure" under such Act to include, in the case of a contract in which the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is a party: (1) the purchase or lease of low emission and fuel efficient vehicles; (2) the upgrade of USPS vehicles to increase average fuel economy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions; or (3) the construction of infrastructure to support such vehicles, including electric vehicle charging stations.

Directs the Postmaster General to develop guidelines for USPS vehicles that provide for specified carbon dioxide emissions and fuel economy standards. 

Date: 2014-01-29
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Alaska Bypass Fair Competition Act of 2014 - Revises the eligibility requirements for air carriers to be selected by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to transport nonpriority bypass mail in the state of Alaska.

Redefines: (1) "existing mainline carrier" as a mainline carrier that, for each of the preceding 36 months, while having met certain certification and qualification standards, engaged in the carriage, on scheduled service within Alaska, of mainline nonpriority bypass mail tendered to it under its designator code (currently, such conditions must have been met as of January 1, 2001); and (2) "new," when referencing a carrier, as a carrier meeting certain requirements that has been providing nonpriority bypass mail service on a city pair route in Alaska for fewer than 36 consecutive months in the immediately preceding period (currently, a carrier is considered new if it began providing such service after January 1, 2001).

Date: 2014-02-06
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Alaska Bypass Modernization Act of 2014 - Amends provisions of federal law relating to Alaska bypass mail transportation to require the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), in selecting a carrier of nonpriority bypass mail to a point in Alaska, to ensure: (1) a minimum of one scheduled flight per week to each nonpriority bypass mail destination with guaranteed capacity for nonpriority bypass mail, subject to the condition that the weather, lack of available service, or other extraordinary circumstances do not interfere with the fulfillment of such minimum requirement; and (2) that any flight that transports nonpriority bypass mail to a nonpriority bypass mail destination and that is in addition to the minimum flight requirement is necessary to the delivery of nonpriority bypass mail and maximizes the cost efficiency to USPS. Revises provisions relating to the tender of nonpriority mainline mail to bush carriers and between qualified passenger and nonmail freight carriers from an acceptance point in Alaska.

Modifies requirements and definitions relating to contracts for foreign and interstate air transportation. Authorizes USPS to contract for the transportation of mail by aircraft between any of the points in foreign air transportation only with certificated air carriers.

Treats Alaska bypass mail service as a separate competitive product for all purposes and prohibits the transfer of such service to the market-dominant category of mail.

Revises the schedule of rates and fees for matter sent by Alaska bypass mail service to cover at least 30% of costs attributable to such service in FY2015, with increasing percentages until FY2020, in which year 50% of such costs will be covered. Limits in FY2014-FY2020 any increase in the rate for any type of Alaska bypass mail service by more than the maximum permitted rate increase for market-dominant products plus an additional 1%.  Requires the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) to determine, at least once each fiscal year, if USPS is in compliance with such rate schedule. Prohibits PRC from ordering USPS to discontinue Alaska bypass mail service.

Date: 2014-03-06
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Victory for Veterans Stamp Act of 2014 - Directs the Postal Service to issue a special stamp, to be called the Victory for Veterans Stamp, at a cost of $1 each. Makes such Stamp valid for postage for first-class mail.

Requires Stamp sale proceeds to be used as follows: (1) one-third for funding Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) veterans' vocational rehabilitation programs, (2) one-third to the general fund of the Treasury for deficit reduction, and (3) one-third for the Postal Service for modernization and fiscal administration.

Requires such Stamp to be made available to the public within six months after the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2014-03-06
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Secure Delivery for America Act of 2014 - Declares that it is the policy of the United States Postal Service (USPS) to: (1) provide access to secure, convenient package delivery receptacles to the greatest number of postal patrons feasible; and (2) use the most cost-effective primary mode of mail delivery feasible.

Directs USPS to: (1) provide a primary mode of mail delivery other than door delivery, with a preference for secure, centralized delivery, for new addresses established after September 30, 2014; and (2) implement a program to convert existing business addresses with door delivery to centralized delivery.

Requires: (1) each USPS district office to identify residential addresses within its service area that are appropriate candidates for conversion to centralized, curbside, or sidewalk delivery; and (2) USPS to seek to voluntarily make such conversion.

Requires the USPS, in making conversion determinations, to consider: (1) the impact of weather conditions, physical barriers, or any other factor on the feasibility of providing a primary mode of mail delivery other than door delivery; (2) whether the address is of historic value; and (3) population density and the concentration of poverty.

Directs USPS to establish and maintain a waiver program for cases in which door delivery is necessary to avoid causing significant physical hardship or physical safety risks to a postal patron.

Requires USPS to: (1) convert at least 1.5 million of the door delivery points extant on December 31, 2013, to centralized, curbside, or sidewalk delivery during each of FY2015-FY2024, with priority to voluntary conversions; (2) convert delivery points to centralized delivery to the greatest extent feasible and include secure package lockers co-located with mail receptacles at the centralized delivery point; (3) establish procedures to place centralized delivery points in locations that maximize delivery efficiency, ease of use for postal patrons, and respect for private property rights; and (4) provide for a voucher program under which USPS may defray costs associated with conversion that would otherwise be borne by postal patrons.

Authorizes USPS to continue to provide door delivery for a fee to an address that received such delivery as of January 1, 2014, but was converted or scheduled to be converted to a different primary mode of mail delivery as a result of this Act's requirements.

Date: 2014-05-19
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Stamp Out Violence In Our Communities Act - Directs the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to issue a special postage stamp to provide funding for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Gang Resistance Education and Training Program.

Date: 2014-06-09
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Directs the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to designate a single, unique ZIP code applicable to the area encompassing only Glendale, New York.

Date: 2014-06-19
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Support the Families of Fallen Heroes Semipostal Stamp Act - Directs the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to issue a Families of Fallen Heroes Semipostal Stamp. Requires 50% of the proceeds from the sale of such stamp (after the recovery of costs) to be transferred to: (1) the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and (2) the Families of the Fallen support program of United Service Organizations, Inc.

Date: 2014-07-11
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Providing Opportunities for Savings, Transactions, and Lending Act of 2014 or the POSTAL Act of 2014 - Expands the specific powers of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to include the provision of basic financial services, including: (1) small-dollar loans; (2) checking accounts, interest-bearing savings accounts, and services relating to international money transfers, each of which may be provided by the USPS alone or in partnership with depository institutions and credit unions; (3) other basic financial services as appropriate in the public interest; and (4) the creation of a Postal Card that allows users to engage in such financial services.

Date: 2014-07-23
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Postal Jobs Protection Act of 2014 - Prohibits mail processing facilities operating as of September 1, 2014, from being closed or consolidated prior to December 31, 2015.

Date: 2014-09-10
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Ambassador Ebenezer D. Bassett Commemorative Stamp Act - Directs the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Ebenezer D. Bassett.

Date: 2014-11-13
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Postal Service Protection Act of 2013 - Sets forth rules for the recalculation of annuities for employees of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and for the redetermination of surplus or supplemental liabilities under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Prescribes the "average pay" to be used in calculating annuities and surplus amounts.

Authorizes the transfer of surplus postal retirement contributions in FY2013 to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, the Postal Service Fund, and the Employees' Compensation Fund under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) and to USPS for payment of its debt obligations.

Eliminates the requirement for pre-funding of the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund.

Sets forth criteria for the closing or consolidation of postal facilities.

Allows USPS to provide any nonpostal service or product in a manner consistent with the public interest.

Provides for the mailing of wine and beer sent by a licensed winery or brewery in accordance with the laws of the state, territory, or district where the addressee or agent takes delivery.

Establishes in USPS the position of the Chief Innovation Officer who shall have proven expertise and success in the postal and shipping industry and in innovation, marketing, technology, and management. Establishes a Postal Innovation Advisory Commission. Requires the Postmaster General to report to specified congressional committees and the Postal Regulatory Commmission on a comprehensive strategy for maximizing USPS revenue through innovative postal and nonpostal products and services.

Prohibits USPS from reducing the frequency of mail delivery to fewer than six days each week or from increasing the expected delivery time for market-dominant products.

Date: 2013-02-13
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Postal Employee Appeal Rights Amendments Act of 2013 - Extends federal employee protections against adverse personnel actions, including the right to appeal such actions to the Merit Systems Protection Board, to any career or noncareer U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee who is not represented by a bargaining representative and is in a supervisory, professional, technical, clerical, administrative, or managerial position covered by the Executive and Administrative Schedule.

Date: 2013-04-09
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Perpetual POW/MIA Stamp Act of 2014 - Directs the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to issue a forever stamp that: (1) honors the sacrifices of the members of the Armed Forces who have been prisoners of war, missing in action, or unaccounted for; and (2) depicts the National League of Families POW/MIA flag.

Date: 2014-12-04
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Peace Stamp for the Peace Corps Act

 Directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a semipostal (a postage stamp sold at a premium in order to help provide funding for certain causes) to benefit the Peace Corps.

Date: 2015-01-09
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Directs the U.S. Postal Service, not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to designate a single, unique ZIP code applicable to the area encompassing only Glendale, New York.

Date: 2015-02-02
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Protect Overnight Delivery Act

Repeals the service standards for market-dominant products implemented by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on January 5, 2015, and directs USPS to reinstate the service standards that were in effect on December 31, 2011.

Date: 2015-02-05
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Fairness in Ambulance Reimbursement Act of 2015

This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to suspend through December 31, 2015, implementation of the reclassification of rural to urban zip codes for payments under the fee schedule for ambulance services, as contained in the final rule published in the Federal Register by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on November 13, 2014.

The Secretary is required to ensure that claims for ambulance services furnished on or after July 1, 2015, are paid according to the classification of zip codes applied the day before the effective date of that final rule.

The Secretary must reclassify rural to urban zip codes for payment for ambulance services furnished on or after January 1, 2016, taking into account specified revised geographic delineations of the Office of Management and Budget.

Payments for ambulance services (other than air ambulance services) furnished during 2016 must be adjusted according to a certain formula to achieve budget-neutral results.

Date: 2015-02-09
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Health
Moratorium on United States Postal Facilities Act

Prohibits the U.S. Postal Service from closing, consolidating, selling, or otherwise disposing of any historic postal facility without prior written approval from the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.

Defines "historic postal facility" as any postal facility listed, or eligible to be listed, in the National Register of Historic Places.

Date: 2015-03-19
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Secure Delivery for America Act of 2015

Declares that it is the policy of the United States Postal Service (USPS) to: (1) provide access to secure, convenient package delivery receptacles to the greatest number of postal patrons feasible; and (2) use the most cost-effective primary mode of mail delivery feasible.

Directs USPS to: (1) provide a primary mode of mail delivery other than door delivery, with a preference for secure, centralized delivery, for new addresses established after September 30, 2016; and (2) implement a program to convert existing business addresses with door delivery to centralized delivery.

Requires: (1) each USPS district office to identify residential addresses within its service area that are appropriate candidates for conversion to centralized, curbside, or sidewalk delivery; and (2) USPS to seek to voluntarily make such conversion.

Requires the USPS, in making conversion determinations, to consider: (1) the impact of weather conditions, physical barriers, or any other factor on the feasibility of providing a primary mode of mail delivery other than door delivery; (2) whether the address is of historic value; and (3) population density and the concentration of poverty.

Directs USPS to establish and maintain a waiver program for cases in which door delivery is necessary to avoid causing significant physical hardship or physical safety risks to a postal patron.

Requires USPS to: (1) convert at least 1.5 million of the door delivery points extant on December 31, 2015, to centralized, curbside, or sidewalk delivery during each of FY2017-FY2026, with priority to voluntary conversions; (2) convert delivery points to centralized delivery to the greatest extent feasible and include secure package lockers co-located with mail receptacles at the centralized delivery point; (3) establish procedures to place centralized delivery points in locations that maximize delivery efficiency, ease of use for postal patrons, and respect for private property rights; and (4) provide for a voucher program under which USPS may defray costs associated with conversion that would otherwise be borne by postal patrons.

Authorizes USPS to continue to provide door delivery for a fee to an address that received such delivery as of January 1, 2016, but was converted or scheduled to be converted to a different primary mode of mail delivery as a result of this Act's requirements.

Date: 2015-04-16
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Securing Access to Rural Postal Services Act of 2015

Prohibits the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), in any calendar year, from closing, consolidating, or suspending the operations of more than 5% of the postal facilities operating as of the first day of such calendar year and that were within specified cost ascertainment groupings as of June 23, 2011, except as specifically authorized by law.

Defines "postal facility" as a post office, post office branch, post office classified station, or other facility operated by the USPS, the primary function of which is to provide retail postal services.

Requires the USPS to conduct nonbinding surveys on proposed post office closings or consolidations to allow customers an opportunity to indicate their preference between or among such a closing or consolidation and one or more alternative options. Directs the USPS, if such a closure or consolidation is necessary, to provide access to postal services through the alternative preferred by survey participants and, if the preferred alternative is unable to be provided or is cost prohibitive, permits the USPS to provide alternative access through different means and requires the USPS to notify customers with a written explanation.

Date: 2015-04-16
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Federal Leadership in Energy Efficient Transportation Act of 2015 or the FLEET Act of 2015 

Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to expand the definition of "energy or water conservation measure" under such Act to include, in the case of a contract in which the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is a party: (1) the purchase or lease of low emission and fuel efficient vehicles; (2) the upgrade of USPS vehicles to increase average fuel economy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions; or (3) the construction or maintenance of infrastructure to support such vehicles, including electric vehicle charging stations. Expands the program of agency incentives for conserving energy to include in utility incentive programs measures to support the use of low emission and fuel efficient USPS vehicles.

Prohibits USPS from awarding a contract for a vehicle, or purchasing or leasing a vehicle for use by USPS, including a passenger car, light truck, or medium or heavy-duty vehicle, unless the vehicle meets certain minimum carbon dioxide emissions standards and average fuel economy standards.

Prohibits USPS from meeting the requirements of this Act by: (1) reducing the frequency of mail delivery, (2) closing post offices or postal distribution facilities, (3) taking any action to restrict or diminish a collective bargaining agreement or eliminate or reduce employee benefits, or (4) entering into a contact with a private company to perform duties that are currently performed by postal employees who are bargaining unit employees.

Date: 2015-04-22
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Directs the U.S. Postal Service, not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to designate a single, unique ZIP code applicable to the area encompassing only North Plainfield, New Jersey.

Date: 2015-04-29
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
This bill directs the United States Postal Service to issue and sell an Alzheimer's Disease Research Semipostal Stamp.

Proceeds from the sale of the stamp must be transferred to the National Institutes of Health.

The stamp must be made available to the public for six years.

Date: 2015-07-16
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
United States Postal Service Shipping Equity Act

 Authorizes the mailing of alcoholic beverages by a covered entity in accordance with the delivery requirements otherwise applicable to a privately carried shipment. Defines a "covered entity" as an entity (including a winery, brewery, or beverage distilled spirits plant, or other wholesale, distributer, or retailer of alcoholic beverages) that has registered with, obtained a permit from, or obtained approval of an application from the Department of the Treasury pursuant to the Federal Alcohol Administration Act or the Internal Revenue Code provisions regarding alcohol, tobacco, and certain other excise taxes.

Directs the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to prescribe regulations: (1) requiring such mailing to be through 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 present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of delivery; (2) prohibiting such alcoholic beverages from being for resale or any other commercial purpose; and (3) requiring such covered entity to certify that the mailing is not in violation of applicable laws or regulations and to provide other information as directed by the USPS, including with respect to the prepayment of state alcohol beverage taxes.

Date: 2015-07-29
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Defending Quality Postal Delivery for the Future Act

Prohibits the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from closing or consolidating any post office or other postal facility that is located in a ZIP code that has a high rate of population growth.

Directs the USPS to determine annually whether a ZIP code has a high rate of population growth using population data available from the Bureau of the Census.

Date: 2015-09-09
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Perpetual POW/MIA Stamp Act

Directs the Postmaster General to provide for the issuance of a forever stamp that honors the sacrifices of the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been prisoners, missing, or unaccounted for and that depicts the National League of Families POW/MIA flag.

Date: 2015-09-18
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Mental Health Awareness Semipostal Stamp Act

This bill directs the United States Postal Service to issue and sell, at a premium, a Mental Health Awareness Semipostal Stamp. Use of this stamp must be voluntary for postal patrons.

Proceeds from the sale of this stamp must be transferred to the National Institute of Mental Health to help fund mental illness research and suicide prevention programs.

The stamp must be available to the public for at least six years.

Date: 2015-09-29
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Veterans Health Care Stamp Act

This bill requires the U.S. Postal Service to issue and sell a Veterans Health Care Stamp to help fund the medical care and treatment of veterans.

Date: 2015-11-05
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Providing Opportunities for Savings, Transactions, and Lending Act of 2015 [sic] or the POSTAL Act of 2015 [sic]

This bill expands the specific powers of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to include the provision of basic financial services, including: (1) small-dollar loans; (2) checking accounts, interest-bearing savings accounts, and services relating to international money transfers, each of which may be provided by the USPS alone or in partnership with depository institutions and credit unions; (3) other basic financial services as appropriate in the public interest; and (4) the creation of a Postal Card that allows users to engage in such financial services.

Date: 2016-02-01
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Ensuring the Safety of Our Mail Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to increase from 5 to 10 years the maximum prison term for a defendant who commits mail theft.

Date: 2016-02-10
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to designate a single, unique ZIP Code applicable to the area encompassing only Eastvale, California.

Date: 2016-02-26
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Stop Postal Closures Act of 2016

This bill prohibits the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from: (1) closing or consolidating any postal facility without the approval of the Postal Regulatory Commission, or (2) closing or consolidating any postal facility or carrying out any network rationalization activity until the Commission has certified that the USPS has met the national service standards that were in effect on July 1, 2012, and that are reinstated by this Act.

For purposes of such prohibitions, "postal facility" means a USPS facility that is primarily involved in the preparation, dispatch, or other physical processing of mail but does not include: (1) any post office, station, or branch; or (2) any facility used only for administrative functions.

 Before making a determination to close or consolidate a postal facility, the USPS must conduct an area mail processing study, which includes: (1) a plan to reduce the capacity of the facility without closing it; and (2) an analysis of the effects of the closure or consolidation on the community, on small businesses, and on specified postal services to individuals.

 If the USPS makes a determination to close or consolidate a postal facility after completing such study, it shall: (1) provide specified notice to Congress, the Commission, the public, and each person in the zip code served by such facility; (2) conduct at least three meetings to receive public comments; and (3) publish a justification of such determination. The Commission shall have 90 days to approve or disapprove the closure or consolidation.

 The Commission shall determine annually if the USPS is meeting the national service standards for market-dominant products. If the Commission finds that the USPS is not meeting such standards, it may recommend corrective actions and reasonable performance targets. The Postmaster General shall respond within 60 days after receiving such recommendations on how the USPS will change operations to achieve them.

Date: 2016-03-01
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Strengthening the Department of Homeland Security Secure Mail Initiative Act

(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to provide an option under the Secure Mail Initiative under which, for payment of a fee recouping costs, a person to whom a document is sent under such initiative may require the U.S. Postal Service to obtain a signature from that person in order to deliver the document.

Date: 2016-03-03
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Stamp Out Invasive Species Act

This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue and sell a Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp.

Proceeds from the sale of the stamp must be transferred in equal proportion to the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture for combating invasive species. (Invasive species are nonnative species whose introduction poses a serious threat to natural ecosystems and causes detrimental economic damage to local communities.)

The stamp must be made available to the public for two years.

Date: 2016-05-25
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Postal Service Financial Improvement Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to: (1) invest a specified percentage of the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, using one or more qualified professional asset managers, in index funds modeled after those established for Thrift Savings Fund investments; and (2) ensure that the investment replicates the performance of the longest-term target date asset allocation investment fund established by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board.

The bill establishes the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund Investment Committee, which Treasury shall consult regarding such investments.

The "specified percentage" to be invested is defined as 25% of the currently available portions of the fund as are not immediately required for payments from the fund, except that the committee may specify a higher percentage, not to exceed 30%, not earlier than five years after this bill's enactment and as appropriate thereafter.

Treasury shall annually engage an independent qualified public accountant to audit the financial statements of such investments and shall submit an annual management report that includes:

 statements of financial position, operations, and cash flows; a statement on internal accounting and administrative control systems; the report resulting from the audit; and any other comments and information necessary to inform Congress about the operations and financial condition of the investments.

Date: 2016-07-11
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Common Sense Postal Delivery Restoration Act of 2016

This bill prohibits the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from requiring centralized delivery (whereby mail receptacles of a number of delivery points are grouped or clustered at a single location) for certain residential housing units that: (1) were approved, before April 5, 2012, for construction; (2) would have been eligible for curbside delivery had they been constructed before such date; and (3) were not approved to receive such curbside delivery as of such date.

The USPS must establish curbside delivery (whereby a mail receptacle is situated at the edge of a sidewalk abutting a road or curb, or at a road or curb, and can be served by a letter carrier from a motorized vehicle) for such units.

Date: 2016-07-13
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Agriculture Conservation Stamp Act 

This bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to issue for a four-year period a semipostal to benefit certain Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs. (A semipostal is a postage stamp that is issued and sold by the USPS at a premium, in order to help provide funding for a cause that the USPS considers to be in the national public interest and appropriate.)

USDA is the sole agency to which the USPS may transfer funds received from the sale of the semipostal. USDA must use the transferred funds exclusively for programs authorized under title XII (Conservation) of the Food Security Act of 1985.

Date: 2016-09-08
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Agriculture and food
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Federal Agency Mail Management Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Presidential and Federal Records Act Amendments of 2014 to require the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide guidance and assistance to federal agencies for effective mail processing.

The GSA: (1) must promote economy and efficiency in the selection and utilization of space, staff, equipment, and supplies for federal mail processing facilities; and (2) may inspect the mail processing practices and programs of federal agencies for purposes of recommending improvements.

The bill also provides authority for the GSA to set goals for the establishment and maintenance of federal records management systems or techniques.

Date: 2016-09-13
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act of 2016 or the STOP Act of 2016

This bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to make the Postmaster General or Postmaster General designee, including a person holding a valid customs broker's license, the importer of record for non-letter class mail imported into the United States.

The term "non-letter class mail" means any product of the U.S. Postal Service or a Universal Postal Union designated operator that is provided pursuant to:

 the Universal Postal Union's Parcel Post Regulations and Final Protocol; or the Universal Postal Union's Letter Post Regulations and Final Protocol, except small letters, as in effect upon enactment of this bill. The bill amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to impose a duty of $1 on each item of non-letter class mail imported into the United States.

The bill amends the Trade Act of 2002 to direct the Department of the Treasury to require the Postmaster General to provide for the advanced electronic transmission to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection of certain information on non-letter class mail imported into the United States.

Date: 2016-09-15
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Semipostal Stamp Clarification Act of 2016

This bill removes the authority of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to issue semipostal stamps (stamps sold at a premium to raise funds for causes of national public interest) except as provided by an Act of Congress. (Currently, the USPS issues semipostals using its own discretion to determine the causes it considers to be in the national public interest.)

The bill also makes entities (currently, only agencies) eligible to receive amounts that become available from the sale of semipostals. Congress must determine the appropriate agencies or entities that receive such amounts.

Date: 2016-09-20
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Ongoing Recovery and Conservation Awareness Act of 2016

This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue and sell a Puget Sound Restoration Semipostal Stamp.

Proceeds from the sale of the stamp must be transferred to the Environmental Protections Agency for operations supported by the Puget Sound Action Agenda.

The stamp must be made available to the public for five years.

Date: 2016-09-28
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Environmental protection
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.)

Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill reauthorizes through December 31, 2019, provisions requiring the U.S. Postal Service to issue a special postage stamp for first-class mail that costs more than the regular first-class stamp to raise funds for breast cancer research.

(Sec. 3) Agencies receiving these funds from the Postal Service must use them on breast cancer research.

Date: 2015-04-30
Topic: Government Operations (Postal Service)
Subject: Government operations and politics