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handle is hein.crs/govedmn0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congressional
SResearch Service
Changes to Postal Regulatory Commission
Administration in the Postal Service Reform
Act of 2021
June 2, 2021
The Postal Service Reform Act of 2021 (HR. 3076 and the similar, but not identical, S. 1720) includes a
number of provisions that would alter the authority and operations of the U. S. Postal Service (USPS) and
the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform,
Representative Carolyn Maloney, a co-sponsor of H.R. 3076, has described the legislation as crucial to
help the Postal Service get on a sustainable financial path for the future and ensure that the Postal Service
is transparent with Congress and the American People. Discussion of the legislation has focused on the
finances of USPS but has also highlighted other changes, such as the provision of paid leave for postal
employees.
This Insight discusses two provisions of the legislation that would affect the operations of the PRC and
certain aspects of its relationship to USPS. The Insight begins with a brief summary of relevant aspects of
the PRC's organization and authority and then proceeds to describe and analyze Sections 205 and 209 of
the Postal Service Reform Act, as introduced in the House.
Postal Regulatory Commission
The PRC (previously named the Postal Rate Commission) was established by the Postal Reorganization
Act of 1970 as an independent agency with oversight authority and reporting obligations covering certain
aspects of USPS including rate setting and performance. This role often puts the PRC at the center of
discussions about USPS services, finances, and sustainability. The authority of the PRC was changed in
2006 by the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA; P.L. 109-435), which adjusted PRC's
role in the ratemaking process and granted it additional authority, including the power to issue subpoenas.
The PAEA also established additional independence for the PRC by ensuring that the agency's budget
request is included in a transparent manner in the President's budget and providing the agency with its
own inspector general (IG) to conduct USPS audits, investigations, and other oversight.
Congressional Research Service
https://crsreports.congress.gov
IN11685
CRS INSIGHT
Prepared for Membersand
Committeesof Congress

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