What did the Post Office Act of 1792 do?
The Postal Service Act of 1792 included many provisions aimed at providing more civil rights and helping the country expand. Under the legislation, newspapers could be sent via mail for a discounted rate, in order to develop a freedom of the press.
What does the Postal Accountability Act entail?
It reorganized the Postal Rate Commission, compelled the USPS to pay in advance for the health and retirement benefits of all of its employees for at least 50 years, and stipulated that the price of postage could not increase faster than the rate of inflation. It also mandated the USPS to deliver six days of the week.
Is responsible for the establishment of post offices?
When the Constitution was ratified in 1789, the Postal Clause in Article I, Section 8 gave Congress the power “To establish Post Offices and post Roads” and “To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper” for executing this task.
What did the Postal Act of 1879 do?
The primary purpose of the 1879 Postal Act, or Mail Classification Act, was to create a distinction between second and third class mail. Material deemed second class could be sent at a cheaper rate of two cents per pound.
What are laws about the postal service made by Congress?
The United States Postal Service shall be operated as a basic and fundamental service provided to the people by the Government of the United States, authorized by the Constitution, created by Act of Congress, and supported by the people.
Why does USPS have to pre fund retirement?
In the absence of legislative relief, the Postal Service was required to make — and made — this year’s $5.5 billion payment to the Retiree Health Benefit Fund. We had sought a deferral of this payment to minimize the risk of defaulting on financial obligations in fiscal year 2011. This risk remains.
What would happen if the Post Office was privatized?
A privatized USPS would pay federal, state, and local taxes. Members of Congress often express concern when major companies do not pay taxes. The USPS is a $70 billion company that does not pay taxes. Paying taxes would put the USPS on a level playing field with other businesses.
Does Congress control the Post Office?
The Constitution gave power over the Postal Service to Congress, granting Congress the power to establish post offices and post roads. The Postal Service has delivered mail in the United States since the beginning of the country.
Can the post office refuse to give me my mail?
An addressee may request his or her postmaster, in writing, to withhold from delivery for a period not exceeding 2 years any foreign letter or printed matter bearing a specified name or address appearing on the outside. Such mail is marked “Refused” by the Post Office™ and treated as undeliverable.
Can the post office hold my mail without permission?
USPS Hold Mail Service USPS Hold Mail® service can hold your mail safely at your local Post Office™ facility until you return, for up to 30 days. To hold your mail longer or to reroute your mail, please sign up for a forwarding service.
Does Congress control the post office?
What is in the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022?
The bill requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish the Postal Service Health Benefits Program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program under which OPM may contract with carriers to offer health benefits plans for USPS employees and retirees.
Can I take my post office pension at 55?
You can start taking some, or all, of your benefits as early as 55. This is the minimum age set by the Government. If you take your benefits early, the amount you get will be reduced.
Why is USPS holding my mail?
If a mail receptacle is deemed by the letter carrier to be full, the letter carrier will leave a “We ReDeliver for You” form (PS Form 3849) in that receptacle and return the overflow mail to the local Post Office™ location for pickup. The LPO will automatically hold accumulated mail for up to 10 days.
Are there any records of postmaster appointments from 1832 to 1971?
Postmaster appointments for 1832-1971 have been reproduced as Microfilm Publication M841, Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832–Sept. 30, 1971 (145 rolls). These records are arranged alphabetically by state, thereunder by county, and thereunder by the name of the post office. The content is similar to the pre-1832 records.
How long did a Postmaster General serve?
These records are arranged alphabetically by state, thereunder by county, and then by name of post office. The content is similar to the pre-1832 records. Postmasters served as little as a few months to more than 30 years.
How do I search for acting postmasters and officers-in-charge?
Action: Enter a city, and select a state from the drop-down box. Click Search to process. Click Clear to reset. Result: A list of the postmasters, acting postmasters, and officers-in-charge reported to have served at that post office. Acting postmasters and officers-in-charge are listed only when they served in between postmasters.
How are post office records arranged in the United States?
These records are arranged alphabetically by state, thereunder by county, and thereunder by the name of the post office. The content is similar to the pre-1832 records.