Postal Reform
Postal Reform Legislation Signed into Law
Supported by mailers and the mailing industry, The
Postal Reform and Accountability Act was signed into
law December 20, 2006. This legislation supports the
long-term strength and viability of the U.S. Postal
Service and is designed to help keep mail an effective
communication option well into the 21st century. Among
other provisions, this new law will:
- Enhance the financial viability of the U.S.
Postal Service by fixing its retirement
obligations and releasing funds that will
enable the Postal Service to cover them;
- Ensure rate predictability and stability, and
increase pricing flexibility to meet marketplace
requirements;
- Clarify the mission of the Postal Service
to maintain universal physical mail service at affordable rates;
- Encourage the increased use of technology; and,
- Enhance greater private sector partnerships for the most cost-effective postal system.
As Postal Reform bars rates from rising beyond
the rate of inflation for the next decade, the
USPS® is working to aligning costs with prices.