This bill, known as the "Upending Secret Postal Shutdowns Act," establishes clear procedures for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) when a post office temporarily suspends operations due to an emergency. Upon the first day of suspension, the USPS must place a physical notice at the affected post office and publish a notice on its public website. Within five days, the Postal Service is required to notify relevant public officials , including Members of Congress, Senators, and local government heads, providing reasons for the suspension, interim mail delivery solutions, and the expected end date. If an emergency suspension lasts for 30 days, the USPS must initiate a 30-day public review period to gather comments from affected individuals and officials. Should the suspension extend to 60 days, the Postal Regulatory Commission is mandated to conduct a review of the suspension. At this 60-day mark, the Postal Service must also begin the process to relocate the suspended post office's operations, which includes soliciting input from local government and opening a 30-day public comment period for any proposed new location. Additionally, postmasters are required to develop action plans for emergency suspensions, and the USPS must submit an annual report to Congress detailing all emergency suspensions, their locations, durations, and reasons.
This bill, known as the "Upending Secret Postal Shutdowns Act," establishes clear procedures for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) when a post office temporarily suspends operations due to an emergency. Upon the first day of suspension, the USPS must place a physical notice at the affected post office and publish a notice on its public website. Within five days, the Postal Service is required to notify relevant public officials , including Members of Congress, Senators, and local government heads, providing reasons for the suspension, interim mail delivery solutions, and the expected end date. If an emergency suspension lasts for 30 days, the USPS must initiate a 30-day public review period to gather comments from affected individuals and officials. Should the suspension extend to 60 days, the Postal Regulatory Commission is mandated to conduct a review of the suspension. At this 60-day mark, the Postal Service must also begin the process to relocate the suspended post office's operations, which includes soliciting input from local government and opening a 30-day public comment period for any proposed new location. Additionally, postmasters are required to develop action plans for emergency suspensions, and the USPS must submit an annual report to Congress detailing all emergency suspensions, their locations, durations, and reasons.