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114th Congress ‘unofficially’ adjourns
The House and Senate have concluded the 114th Congress’ business, but both chambers remain in “pro-forma” session until the swearing in of the new Congress on Jan. 3. In the Senate, this is done to prevent any lame-duck appointments, such as President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland. Click here to read more.
Postal reform in the 115th Congress
Although the 114th Congress did not take up postal reform before the end of the year, the NALC Legislative and Political Affairs Department is preparing to hit the ground running when lawmakers return to Washington, DC, on Jan. 3 to begin the 115th Congress. Click here to read more.
Congress passes short-term funding thru April
Late on Dec. 9, Congress approved a short-term continuing resolution (CR), H.R. 2028, to fund the government through April 28. The measure extends current 2016 funding levels and includes an across-the-board 0.5 percent spending reduction to stay within limits for discretionary spending. Click here to read more.
Legislative and political department updates
Brian Renfroe recently was appointed by NALC President Fredric Rolando to serve as NALC’s executive vice president as a replacement for Tim O’Malley, who retired earlier this year. Under the NALC Constitution, the executive vice president’s responsibilities include overseeing NALC’s Department of Legislative and Political Affairs. Also, Corey Miller joins the department as legislative and political assistant. Click here to read more.
Secure mail initiative
On Dec. 3, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the “Strengthening the Department of Homeland Security Secure Mail Initiative Act” to allow individuals to require USPS to receive a signature on certain packages sent by USCIS. Click here to learn more.
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