Stamp Out Invasive Species Act

Bill Number: H.R. 3024
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Environmental Protection
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-04-24: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Agriculture, 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.
Last Updated: 2026-05-22T08:07:46Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 3024: Stamp Out Invasive Species Act

Purpose

This bill aims to create a voluntary funding mechanism through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to support federal programs that fight invasive species. Invasive species are non-native plants or animals that harm ecosystems, native wildlife, and local economies. The legislation establishes a special postage stamp to raise money for these efforts at the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture.

Key Provisions

Congressional Finding: The bill states that invasive species threaten natural environments, damage native plants and animals, and cause economic harm to communities.
Semipostal Stamp Issuance: The USPS must issue a stamp called the "Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp." (A semipostal stamp is a postage stamp sold at a higher price than regular stamps, with the extra amount going to a specific cause.)
Governance and Rules:
The stamp's issuance and sale follow existing U.S. law under section 416 of title 39 of the U.S. Code (which authorizes semipostal stamps) and related regulations.
The extra charge (differential rate) for the stamp cannot exceed 25% above the standard postage rate.
The stamp will be available for purchase for 2 years, starting no later than 12 months after the bill becomes law.
Use of Proceeds: All extra revenue from stamp sales will be divided equally between the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture. Funds will support programs to combat invasive species and will be transferred at least twice a year.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill does not overhaul existing laws but adds a new semipostal stamp program under the framework of 39 U.S.C. § 416, which already allows the USPS to issue such stamps for charitable causes. It introduces specific rules for this stamp, including the 25% cap on the extra charge and the 2-year duration, tailoring the general semipostal authority to invasive species funding. No other major alterations to postal, environmental, or agricultural laws are made.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Provides additional, non-tax revenue to the Department of the Interior (which manages public lands) and the Department of Agriculture (which oversees farming and forestry) for invasive species control, potentially enhancing prevention, removal, and research efforts without requiring new budget appropriations.
Citizens: Offers an easy, optional way for individuals to donate by buying the stamp when mailing letters or packages, raising awareness about invasive species while supporting environmental protection. It may indirectly benefit communities by reducing economic losses from species like invasive plants or pests.
International Relations: No direct impacts are outlined, though improved U.S. invasive species management could align with global biodiversity efforts.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Postal Service: Responsible for designing, issuing, and selling the stamp, with administrative duties for revenue tracking.
Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture: Primary recipients of funds, using them for on-the-ground programs like species eradication or habitat restoration.
General Public and Mail Users: Voluntary contributors through stamp purchases; also includes farmers, landowners, and communities harmed by invasive species who may see indirect benefits.
Environmental and Agricultural Groups: Likely supporters, as the bill advances conservation goals.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Relies on established postal authority (39 U.S.C. § 416), ensuring compliance with federal regulations on semipostal stamps. The bill includes a clear definition of "semipostal stamp" to avoid ambiguity.
Constitutional: No significant issues; it involves Congress's power to regulate postal services (Article I, Section 8) and spend for the general welfare, without infringing on rights or states' powers.
Political: Promotes bipartisan environmental priorities (introduced by representatives from both parties) by linking everyday postal use to conservation. It could set a precedent for future semipostal stamps on niche issues, potentially influencing postal revenue strategies or advocacy for invasive species funding in broader budgets.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

Recent Actions

2025-04-24: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Agriculture, 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.
2025-04-24: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Agriculture, 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.
2025-04-24: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Agriculture, 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.
2025-04-24: Introduced in House
2025-04-24: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Stamp Out Invasive Species Act — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (3 pages)