USPS Subpoena Authority Act

The USPS Subpoena Authority Act would broaden the United States Postal Service’s ability to issue administrative subpoenas in investigations tied to a wide range of offenses involving the mail. Specifically, it allows the Postmaster General to issue subpoenas requiring production of records and testimony from custodians of those records in investigations of covered offenses (including violations of the USPS chapter, certain mail-involved offenses under 18 U.S.C. chapter 83, other enumerated federal laws, and the Controlled Substances Act when the violation involves the mails). In most cases, subpoenas can require both production of records and testimony about those records. However, for investigations conducted under section 3005(a), the subpoena may not require testimony. The bill also tightens the authority to approve subpoenas, limiting delegation to the USPS General Counsel, a Deputy General Counsel, or the Chief Postal Inspector. The measure is currently introductory, with no sponsor listed beyond the initial House introductions.