To provide for the issuance of a Manatee Semipostal Stamp.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 704
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-23: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, 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
- 2025-03-01T13:21:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 704: Manatee Semipostal Stamp Act
Purpose
This bill aims to authorize the United States Postal Service (USPS) to issue a special type of postage stamp called a semipostal stamp, with the goal of raising funds for the conservation of manatees (a type of sea mammal) and their habitats in the United States.
Key Provisions
- Issuance of the Stamp: The USPS must issue the "Manatee Semipostal Stamp" under rules outlined in existing federal law (section 416 of title 39, United States Code).
- Proceeds Allocation: All extra revenue from the stamp's sales (beyond the standard postage cost) will go to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) specifically for manatee conservation efforts.
- Duration and Timeline: The stamp must be available for purchase for at least two years, starting no later than 12 months after the bill becomes law.
- Definition: A semipostal stamp is a postage stamp sold for more than the regular price, where the additional amount supports a designated cause.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill does not overhaul existing laws but builds on the framework in section 416 of title 39, United States Code, which already allows for semipostal stamps to benefit various causes. It introduces a new, specific semipostal stamp program dedicated to manatee conservation, adding it to the list of authorized stamp initiatives without altering the core rules for how these stamps are issued or sold.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The USPS will handle stamp production and sales, while the USFWS will receive and use the funds for manatee protection programs, potentially enhancing wildlife conservation efforts without requiring new appropriations from Congress.
- Citizens: Postal customers can voluntarily support manatee conservation by purchasing the stamp at a slightly higher price, raising awareness and providing a simple way to contribute to environmental causes.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses solely on U.S.-based manatee habitats and domestic conservation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- United States Postal Service (USPS): Responsible for designing, issuing, and selling the stamp.
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS): Primary beneficiary, using proceeds for manatee-related conservation.
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Likely to benefit from increased funding and public attention to manatee protection.
- General Public and Philatelists (Stamp Collectors): Can participate by buying the stamp, with indirect benefits through improved wildlife preservation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill relies on established postal authority, ensuring compliance with federal regulations for semipostal stamps; it poses no challenges to postal operations or funding mechanisms.
- Constitutional: No significant issues, as it involves Congress's power to regulate commerce and the postal system (Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution).
- Political: Supports bipartisan environmental goals by creating a low-cost, voluntary funding tool for endangered species conservation, potentially appealing to wildlife advocates without raising taxes or mandating contributions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-23: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, 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.
- 2025-01-23: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, 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.
- 2025-01-23: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-23: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To provide for the issuance of a Manatee Semipostal Stamp. — issued 2025-01-23 — PDF (2 pages)