A bill to require the United States Postal Service to designate a single, unique ZIP Code for Swanzey, New Hampshire.
- Bill Number
- S. 2627
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-31: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-17T22:01:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to ensure that the town of Swanzey, New Hampshire, receives a dedicated ZIP Code from the United States Postal Service (USPS). A ZIP Code is a postal code used by the USPS to efficiently sort and deliver mail. Currently, Swanzey may share ZIP Codes with surrounding areas, which can complicate local mail handling and identity.
Key Provisions
- The USPS must assign a single, unique ZIP Code that applies exclusively to the entire area of Swanzey, New Hampshire.
- This designation must occur no later than 180 days after the bill becomes law.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- There are no direct changes to broader postal laws, but this introduces a specific mandate for Swanzey, overriding any current shared ZIP Code arrangements in that locality.
- It builds on the existing authority of the USPS under the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, which allows Congress to direct postal operations, but targets a narrow geographic fix.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: The USPS will need to update its mapping, sorting, and delivery systems, potentially involving minor administrative costs and adjustments to mail processing equipment.
- On citizens: Residents of Swanzey (population around 7,200) may experience improved mail accuracy, faster delivery, and a stronger sense of local identity, which could benefit businesses, emergency services, and community services that rely on precise addressing.
- On international relations: No impacts, as this is a domestic postal matter with no foreign policy elements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- United States Postal Service (USPS): Responsible for implementation and any operational changes.
- Residents and businesses in Swanzey, New Hampshire: Primary beneficiaries through better-tailored postal services.
- New Hampshire state and local government: Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan sponsored the bill, indicating support from state officials who may advocate for similar local improvements.
- Neighboring communities: Indirectly affected if mail routing shifts slightly, though minimal disruption is expected.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a straightforward congressional directive to a federal agency, enforceable under the USPS's status as an independent agency. No challenges to postal authority are anticipated, as ZIP Code assignments fall within USPS discretion but can be legislatively guided.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's enumerated powers under Article I to establish post offices and post roads; no First Amendment, privacy, or equal protection issues arise.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan, low-stakes effort by New Hampshire's senators to address a constituent concern, potentially setting a precedent for other small towns seeking unique ZIP Codes. It highlights how federal resources can support localized needs without broad controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-31: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2025-07-31: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- To require the United States Postal Service to designate a single, unique ZIP Code for Swanzey, New Hampshire. — issued 2025-07-31 — PDF (1 pages)