Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should take all appropriate measures to ensure that the United States Postal Service remains an independent establishment of the Federal Government and is not subject to privatization.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 70
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-28: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-04T08:07:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 70) expresses the House of Representatives' view that Congress should act to keep the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an independent federal agency and prevent its privatization. It highlights the USPS's vital role in the nation without proposing specific new laws or actions.
Key Provisions
- Background and Rationale (Whereas Clauses):
- The USPS is required by the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 7, which gives Congress power to establish post offices and post roads).
- It operates independently without taxpayer money, funding itself through sales of stamps, shipping, and other services.
- It supports a $1.9 trillion mailing industry, employs over 630,000 people directly, and contributes to 7.9 million jobs overall.
- It delivers to over 168 million addresses daily, providing affordable, universal service that connects rural, suburban, and urban areas.
- It ranks highest in public approval among federal agencies in nonpartisan polls.
- It employs nearly 73,000 military veterans, making it one of the largest veteran employers.
- Postal workers act as community watchdogs, often first responders for health, safety, and crime issues.
- Privatization (turning it into a private company) would raise prices, cut services (especially in rural areas), harm e-commerce, and weaken national infrastructure.
- Core Statement (Resolved Clause):
- Congress should take all suitable steps to maintain the USPS as a federal entity and block privatization.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It simply states the House's opinion and does not introduce enforceable changes to current statutes, such as the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, which established the USPS as an independent agency.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Reinforces the USPS's status, potentially guiding future congressional oversight or funding decisions to protect its independence, but has no immediate legal effect.
- On Citizens: Could help maintain affordable mail and package services, especially for rural residents and small businesses reliant on USPS. It underscores the role of postal workers in community safety.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it supports the USPS's role in global mail and e-commerce logistics.
- Overall, it may influence public debate and policy without causing operational changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- USPS and Employees: Over 630,000 workers, including 73,000 veterans, who benefit from job security and public service recognition.
- Customers and Communities: Businesses, residents (especially in rural areas), and the e-commerce sector, which depend on reliable, low-cost delivery.
- Mailing Industry: Companies in the $1.9 trillion sector employing 7.9 million people.
- Congress and Policymakers: Encourages legislative protection against privatization proposals.
- Veterans and Public Servants: Highlights their contributions and potential risks from privatization.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: References the Constitution's postal mandate, emphasizing the USPS's public duty over private profit. As a "sense of Congress" resolution, it carries moral weight but no legal force—courts or agencies are not bound by it.
- Political: Signals bipartisan opposition to privatization (introduced by Democrats and Republicans), potentially shaping future bills on postal reform. It counters concerns about USPS financial challenges by focusing on its societal value, avoiding partisan debate on efficiency or costs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]
Cosponsors (237)
Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1] and 187 more
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-28: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-01-28: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should take all appropriate measures to ensure that the United States Postal Service remains an independent establishment of the Federal Government and is not subject to privatization. — issued 2025-01-28 — PDF (3 pages)