Contract Postal Unit Transparency Act
This bill, called the Contract Postal Unit Transparency Act, would add new public-facing procedures for the United States Postal Service (USPS) when it closes or consolidates contract postal units (CPUs). Starting six months after enactment, the USPS would have to publish on its website a report detailing the expected impacts on customers and the steps to maintain access to postal services in affected areas; file a report with Congress explaining the reasons for the closure or consolidation; hold a public hearing (in person or online) for affected communities; and publish a summary of the hearing within seven days, including the comments received and the share in support or opposition. In addition, closures or consolidations of CPUs could not occur until at least 180 days after that hearing summary is published. The overall effect is to increase transparency, public input, and a pause before any CPU closure or consolidation.
Key Points
- 1Adds a new requirement (section 404(f)) to the United States Code that applies to the closure or consolidation of contract postal units starting six months after enactment.
- 2USPS must publish on its website a report detailing anticipated impacts on customers and steps to ensure continued access to postal services in affected areas.
- 3USPS must submit a report to Congress explaining the reasons for closing or consolidating the CPU.
- 4USPS must hold a public hearing (in-person or virtual) for any members of the public affected by the closure or consolidation.
- 5USPS must publish a summary of the hearing within seven days, including comments received and the percentage in support vs. opposition; and closures/consolidations may not occur until 180 days after that summary is published.