Government affairs

Today, in a voice vote, the House Committee on Ways and Means approved the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 (H.R. 82).

Today, in a 221-203 vote, the House of Representatives passed the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021 (H.R. 2988).

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted 397-29 to suspend the rules to pass several bills, including five bills that support veterans. 

In advance of the anticipated vote on H.R. 82, NALC wants to hear from you.

In a party-line vote of 51-50, with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President Kamala Harris, the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 (H.R. 5376) on Sunday.

After months of stalled negotiations among Democratic Senators, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced a deal on July 27 on a comprehensive energy, climate, healthcare and tax package.

The Senate voted 86-11 on the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (H.R. 3967), historic legislation that would ensure veterans exposed to toxic exposure fumes from burn pits have access to care and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and 11 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Enhanced Election Security and Protection Act (S. 4574), which would increase penalties for crimes against election workers and create the Postal Service Election Improvement Act.

On Tuesday, July 19, NALC and other postal stakeholders are hosting a day of action urging members of Congress to cosponsor the USPS Shipping Equity Act (H.R. 3287/S. 1663).

On June 24, the House Committee on Appropriations voted 31-22 to advance the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) appropriations bill.

This week, NALC sent a letter to Congress cosigned by other postal unions and alcohol distributing unions, requesting members of Congress cosponsor H.R. 3287/S. 1663.

On June 16, in an 84-14 vote, the Senate passed the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 (H.R. 3967).

The Senate approved by a voice vote the nominations of Dan Tangherlini and Derek Kan to serve on the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors (BOG).

Read NALC’s fact sheet to learn more about H.R. 4268.

In a 53-47 vote, the Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. 

President Biden signed the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 3076) into law.

A coalition of labor leaders released the following statement today ahead of the Senate’s vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.

“America’s letter carriers applaud the 79 members of the U.S. Senate who voted to pass the Postal Reform Act last night, following its adoption by the House of Representatives with a massive bipartisan majority in February."

Today, in a 79-19 vote, the Senate passed the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 3076). 

This week, the Senate began consideration of the Postal Service Reform Act (H.R. 3076).

Call 844-959-1425 and ask your senators to vote "YES" on H.R. 3076.

On Feb. 9, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) voted 8-6 and the Senate Budget Committee voted 15-6 to advance the nominations of Shalanda Young and Nani Coloretti to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Today, in a 342-92 vote the House of Representatives passed the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 3076).

This updated explanation of the health care provisions of H.R. 3076 reflects modest changes made to the original bill introduced in 2021.

On Feb. 7, the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment released a report that includes more than 60 recommendations to promote workers’ rights.

The Postal Service Reform Act (H.R. 3076) is scheduled for a House vote next week.

On Jan. 12, the Masks for All Act of 2022 (H.R. 6385/S. 3486), which would provide, manufacture and distribute high-quality N95 masks for every individual in the United States, was introduced in Congress.

In early January, the Biden Administration announced that it would partner with the Postal Service to mail free, at-home rapid Covid-19 tests to Americans.

On Jan. 12, the Postal Service Board of Governors (BOG) unanimously selected Roman Martinez, a Republican, to serve as chairman and Anton Hajjar, a Democrat, as vice chairman.

NALC, the AFL-CIO and local affiliates are contacting senators to ask them to sideline the filibuster in order to protect voting rights.

On Jan. 13, the Supreme Court blocked the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on COVID-19 vaccine and testing.

The Senate unanimously confirmed Michael Kubayanda to serve as a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission.

Thursday night, Congress passed a continuing resolution that will fund the government until Feb. 18.

Today, President Biden nominated Dan Tangherlini and Derek Kan to serve on the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors (BOG).

On Friday, the House passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684), a $1.2 trillion bill that invests in roads, bridges, airports, transit, rail, broadband, electric charging stations, power grid modernization and clean drinking water.

House Democratic Leadership released the new framework for the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376), a sweeping social spending and tax package.

House members voted 219-206 on a rule (H. Res. 716) that cleared a bill that passed in the Senate last week (S. 1301) to raise the debt limit with an extension that expires on Dec. 3.

President Biden announced his intent to renominate Michael Kubayanda to serve as a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). 

The House and the Senate passed a continuing resolution yesterday to fund the government until December 3.

NALC strongly supports the $7 billion in federal funding for the electrification of the Postal Service vehicle fleet that is included in the reconciliation package.

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the Freedom to Vote Act (S. 2747), a bill to expand voting rights and reduce the influence of big money in politics.

On Sept. 9, President Biden issued two executive orders regarding COVID-19 vaccines.

Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform (COR) held a markup to consider their committee’s allocations for the recently passed Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 (S. Con. Res. 14). 

In a party-line vote of 220-212, the House passed the budget resolution yesterday.

If you are in the DMV area, you are invited to attend the Fighting for our Vote Rally this Saturday, August 21 from 1-4 p.m. in Lincoln Park in Washington, DC.

Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4) today.

In a party-line vote of 50-49, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget resolution.

NALC members are encouraged to participate in AFL-CIO’s week of action for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act on July 17-25.

The first payments of the newly expanded Child Tax Credit will be distributed to millions of American families beginning on July 15.

Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Tom Cole (R-OK) reintroduced the Federal Retirement Fairness Act (H.R. 4268) today.

The Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill advanced out of the House Committee on Appropriations today with a vote of 33-24 after a committee markup.

The House Committee on Oversight and Reform held a hearing on the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act (H.R. 564).

In comments filed with the Postal Service on June 22 as part of the Postal Regulatory Commission’s review of the USPS’s proposed changes in service standards for First Class Mail and Periodicals, NALC argued against slowing the delivery of such mail.

The Senate approved the nomination of Kiran Ahuja to serve as the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Information about the FEHBP and Medicare provisions included in these bills. 

The Biden Administration released its fiscal year 2022 budget proposal on May 28.

The Senate approved the nomination of Anton Hajjar to serve on the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors (BOG).

The House and Senate now have identical, bipartisan bills (H.R. 3076 and S. 1720) aimed at bringing financial stability to the Postal Service.

Senate Committee Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ranking Member Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act of 2021.

Reps. Jackie Speier (D-CA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and 17 other bipartisan co-sponsors introduced the USPS Shipping Equity Act (H.R. 3287). 

The Postal Service Reform Act of 2021 (H.R. 3076), a bipartisan bill that aims to provide financial and operational stability to the Postal Service, was introduced by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Ranking Member James Comer (R-KY) on May 11.

The Senate approved the nominations of Amber McReynolds and Ronald Stroman to serve on the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors (BOG) today. 

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs (HSGAC) advanced the nominations of Anton Hajjar, Amber McReynolds and Ronald Stroman to the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors (BOG) and Kiran Ahuja to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

The White House released the American Families Plan, a $1 trillion plan that seeks to increase access to education, provide paid family and medical leave, make health care and childcare more affordable and more.

Today, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs held a hearing to consider the nominations of Anton Hajjar, Amber McReynolds and Ronald Stroman to the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors (BOG), and the nomination of Kiran Ahuja to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act (S. 1158) in the Senate today.

The White House released its Fiscal Year 2022 (FY 2022) budget outline today.

Today, the White House released The American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion, eight-year plan to invest in the nation’s infrastructure.

Tonight, the House of Representatives passed the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 842), which seeks to restore protections that give workers the right to organize and bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions.

The Postal Vehicle Modernization Act (H.R. 1636), which calls on Congress to authorize funding for new electric or zero-emission vehicles for the United States Postal Service fleet, has been reintroduced in the 117^th Congress.

Today the Senate passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) by a vote of 50-49 following its passage last week in the House of Representatives.

This weekend, the House of Representatives passed the “American Rescue Plan Act,” (H.R. 1319) by a vote of 219-212, with two Democrats --Reps. Jared Golden (ME) and Kurt Schraeder (OR) -- and all Republicans opposing.

House and Senate lawmakers have reintroduced legislation – Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 842 and S. 420) that would restore protections under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) giving workers the right to organize and bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions.

Today, the White House issued a press release announcing its plans to nominate Amber McReynolds, Ron Stroman and Anton Hajjaar to the Postal Board of Governors.

Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform (COR) held a hearing to discuss postal reform efforts in the 117th Congress. 

On Tuesday, the House passed H.R. 813, designating the postal facility located at 1050 Sunset Road Southwest in Albuquerque, NM, as the “Jose Hernandez Post Office Building.”

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) reintroduced the Easy Access to Mail Act (H.R. 1102) today, which seeks to limit the use of centralized delivery.

House Resolution 109 (H. Res. 109), which calls on Congress to “take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of door delivery for all businesses and residential customers,” has been reintroduced in the 117th Congress.

Today, Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) introduced House Resolution 108 (H.Res. 108), which calls on Congress to recognize Postal Service employees as front-line essential workers who must be prioritized for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Every Congress, the House and Senate organize their structure, rules, and committee assignments. While there are numerous Committees, the House Oversight and Reform Committee (COR) and Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) are the primary Committees with jurisdiction over federal employees and the Postal Service.

This week, the USPS Fairness Act was reintroduced in the House (H.R. 695) and Senate (S. 145). Both bills would repeal the mandate that the Postal Service “pre-fund” decades’ worth of health benefits for its future retirees, enacted through the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) of 2006.

Today, Reps. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) reintroduced their resolution calling on the House to take “all appropriate measures to ensure that the United States Postal Service remains an independent establishment of the Federal Government and is not subject to privatization.”

Reps. David McKinley (R-WV) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) have reintroduced House Resolution 119 (H. Res. 119), expressing the sense of Congress that the Postal Service should take all appropriate measures to restore the service standards that were in effect as of July 1, 2012.

Reps. Sam Graves (R-MO) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA) have reintroduced their resolution to preserve six-day mail delivery, House Resolution 114 (H. Res. 114).

Two Senate seats previously held by Republicans Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) and David Perdue (R-GA) will change hands in the 117^th Congress. 

Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) have reintroduced the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 (H.R. 82), which would repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) titles of the Social Security Act.

Today, the House of Representatives and Senate convened the 117th Congress in-person, following months of operating remotely and voting by proxy due to COVID-19.

Following months of failed negotiations between leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives and the White House, a fourth COVID-19 relief package was signed into law today as a part of the FY 2021 government spending.

On behalf of the National Association of Letter Carriers, which represents 285,000 active and retired letter carriers around the country, we congratulate President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their victory today.

With nearly 100 million voters having already cast their ballots, turnout – whether by mail or in-person – is expected to be record-setting but there is more work to do to Get Out The Vote. 

This week, the House advanced an additional relief package (H.R. 925) to break the gridlock over ongoing negotiations with the White House and Senate over another round of COVID-19-relief.

Following a complete breakdown in negotiations between the House, Senate and White House over the next relief package, a group of 50 bipartisan House members known as the Problem Solvers Caucus announced a $1.5 trillion framework in the hopes of drawing leadership back to the table to compromise.

Today, Sens. Sanders (I-VT) and Gillibrand (D-NY) joined forces to introduce a bill (S.4614) to require the Postal Service to expand its banking services to meet the needs of unbanked or underbanked communities nationwide.

Today, the Senate once again failed to advance a relief package, demonstrating the lack of ability to provide additional COVID-19 relief to the American people.

The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform (COR) conducted back-to-back hearings Friday and Monday to question Postmaster General Louis DeJoy following several weeks of reported mail service delays.

Today, members of the House of Representatives made their way back to Washington on a Saturday during August recess, during a pandemic, to pass the Delivering for America Act (H.R. 8015). 

In response to mounting pressure from the House to negotiate over additional COVID-19 relief, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the Delivering Immediate Relief to America’s Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act

Fredric Rolando, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), released the following statement regarding the NALC Executive Council’s endorsement of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for president and vice president of the United States.

NALC has created a new fact sheet on The 2020 General Election: America Can Count on the U.S. Postal Service. 

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Defense, Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2021 H.R. 7617 (116),  which provides funding to the majority of the federal government through September 30.

Two and a half months after the House of Representatives passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions, or “HEROES” Act (H.R. 6800), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell this week finally announced an outline of the Senate GOP’s response, a $1 trillion relief package called the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools Act (HEALS Act).

This week, the House and Senate return to Washington this week for a three-week work period where their main agenda item will be negotiating what could be the last Covid-relief package before election day.

Today, Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced the “Postal Service Emergency Assistance Act” (S. 4174) to provide funding to the Postal Service to help offset Covid-related financial losses.

Today, the House passed “Moving Forward Act” (H.R. 2), a $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill that invests in roads, rail, public transit, ports, aviation, energy and water.

Senate Democratic caucus introduced a resolution calling on Congress to appropriate funds to cover lost revenues due to Covid-19

Rep. James Comer was selected to become Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform

The House and Senate were in session most of the week working on a wide range of issues. 

House of Representatives passed the ”George Floyd Justice in Policing Act"

Today, House Democrats unveiled the “Moving Forward Act” (H.R. 2), a $1.5 trillion, far-reaching infrastructure bill authorizing funding and resources for the nation’s infrastructure. 

Both chambers of Congress worked on a wide-range of issues

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) flatly rejected any consideration of “HEROES” Act 

Senate unanimously approved the nominations of Lee Moak and William Zollars 

As they have across the country, protests continued in Washington DC this week in response to the death of George Floyd and the lack of action from the federal government in addressing existing institutional racism through long-overdue reforms. 

Starting July 27, a new rule from the Department of Labor (DOL) will allow retirement plan administrators to use email, texts, and websites as a default means to provide participants and beneficiaries the required documents about their retirement plans.

Both the House and Senate were in session this week, though the House maintains its new rule for voting by proxy in order to keep the far larger chamber from gathering in person unnecessarily and to maintain social distancing as the number of cases of Coronavirus continue to rise across the country. 

Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs advanced several nominations 

Rep. Karen Bass and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), along with 164 House colleagues and 33 Senate colleagues, introduced the “Justice in Policing Act of 2020

Today, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs’ Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management held a hearing to consider the nomination of Captain Lee Moak and William Zollars to be members of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors (BOG) in addition to three nominees to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

Vote Safe Act of 2020 was introduced

While the Senate is on a 10-day recess, the House was in session this week

The House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act

The Postal Preservation Act has been introduced

Following House passage of the HEROES Act, negotiations amongst Congressional leadership and the Administration are ongoing.

House passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act

Both chambers were back in Washington DC, but with nearly all attention on the House following the introduction and eventual passage of the fourth major response package to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The House of Representatives approved House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern’s (D-MA) H. Res. 965, which would allow for remote voting by proxy in the House and for official remote committee proceedings during a public health emergency.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey introduced the  “HEROES” Act

The USPS Board of Governors announced the selection of Louis DeJoy to serve as the next Postmaster General 

26 GOP lawmakers sent a letter to the Treasury Secretary, Senate Majority Leader, and House GOP Leader 

NALC and other postal unions sent a letter to the USPS Board of Governors 

Today, North Star Opinion Research and Hart Research Associates, two leading Republican and Democratic public opinion firms, released the findings of a national poll.

Congress was busy working-on and passing an interim legislative package meant to replenish funding already approved in the previous emergency stimulus bill this week and today it was signed into law.

After Senate passage on Tuesday, and House passage on Thursday, the President signed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266) into law today.

Following the passage of the CARES Act last month, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced on April 2 the creation of a Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis within the House Oversight and Reform Committee.

Following Senate passage on Tuesday, the House of Representatives cleared the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266) today to be signed into law by the President.

Both House and Senate leadership announced this week that they will not reconvene in Washington DC sooner than May 4, two weeks later than the previously scheduled date.

Today, a group of 122 Representatives led by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO) sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) urging financial support for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in the next Covid-19 legislative response package.

Today, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) introduced the VoteSafe Act of 2020 to provide $5 billion in grants for states to improve the safety of in-person voting and expand both early voting and vote-by-mail during the COVID-19 pandemic, among other provisions.

Throughout the legislative response to the Covid-19 virus, NALC has sought to support the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) through talks and engagement with Congressional leadership.

On March 31, Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) introduced the “Protect Our Post Offices Act” (H.R. 6425), which would provide $25 billion in emergency funding to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from the U.S. Treasury.

At a time when the heroic workers of the US Postal Service are braving infection to serve the country during an unprecedented national crisis, it is imperative that representatives at all levels of the federal government have a fundamental understanding of the value of the postal service, the cause of and solutions to its current financial circumstances, and the dangers to the US economy and rural health in the event of a USPS insolvency.

NALC has created a white paper on the legislative needs of the Postal Service for the COVID-19 crisis.

Today, Senate Democrats put forward a proposal to provide additional pay premiums to ‘essential’ frontline workers, which includes letter carriers and other postal employees.

The Administration and Congress is entirely focused on a response to the coronavirus pandemic

Following Senate passage, the House cleared the bill via voice vote and the President signed it into law

Congress is moving toward the adoption of a third law this month designed to combat the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus known as Covid-19.

The two competing stimulus bills introduced and debated over the past week in Washington could not have been more different when it comes to aiding the Postal Service.

Nearly all the attention in Washington DC has been on a response to the growing crisis due to the spread of the Coronavirus.

The President signed the second emergency relief package for the Coronavirus

Today, Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Filemon Vela (D-TX), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced ‘‘Protecting Collective Bargaining and Official Time for Federal Workers Act’’ (H.R. 6246).

Having passed an emergency $8.3 billion funding package last week, today, House lawmakers introduced the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) would provide billions more in funding to combat the spread and impacts of the virus.

Sen. Wyden introduced the Resilient Elections During Quarantines and Natural Disasters Act of 2020

Lawmakers’ primary attention this week was on the coronavirus with a $8.3 billion emergency package prepared to address it. 

Today the White House announced the nomination of Captain Donald Lee Moak, of Florida, to be a Member of the USPS BOG for the remainder of a seven-year term expiring December 8, 2022.

The House of Representatives voted to expand worker protections for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers today, which would grant them the rights and protections other federal employees hold. 

Both the House and Senate were in session this week with the majority of legislative focus being paid to President Trump’s fiscal year 2021 budget request.

Lawmakers were in Washington DC this week and received the President Trump’s upcoming fiscal year 2021 budget request, which features many of the same cuts to pay and benefits for the federal workforce and the U.S. Postal Service. 

The Federal Employee Parental Leave Technical Correction Act was introduced

The Trump Administration released its $4.8 trillion Fiscal Year 2021 budget proposal on Feb. 10. 

This was a very significant week in Washington DC.

On February 6, the House of Representatives passed the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 2474), legislation that would increase protections for workers’ right to organize and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, safer working conditions, and more.

While the full roll call vote on the USPS Fairness Act (H.R. 2382) is available here, below you can find lists of the vote breakdown notable to NALC.

Today, the House of Representatives passed the USPS Fairness Act (H.R. 2382) in a 309 to 106 vote. 

While the Senate continued the impeachment trial this week, the President signed the USMCA into law, but most important to letter carriers, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) announced that the House of Representatives will vote on the USPS Fairness Act (H.R. 2382) in the coming days.

The USPS Fairness Act (H.R. 2382) is expected on the House floor next week and we need letter carriers to call their Representatives and ask for their vote in support.

Both House and Senate lawmakers were on Capitol Hill this week to major activity. 

The House returned to session this week following the winter break while the Senate swore in Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) to fill the seat of Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), who retired at the end of 2019. 

This was a very busy week for lawmakers on Capitol Hill ahead of a countdown on temporary funding set to expire this Friday, December 20. 

Following months of negotiation and passage in both chambers with strong bipartisan support, the President has signed the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2500/S. 1790) into law. 

The House and Senate agreed to two spending packages

The House voted to ratify the U.S. Mexico Canada Trade Agreement 

List of lawmakers in the House and Senate announcing their retirements 

Today, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi appointed Freshman Reps. Katie Porter (D-CA) and Deb Haaland (D-NM) to the House Oversight and Reform Committee following the recommendation of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

Amidst a busy week, bipartisan agreements on major legislation appear close.

Lawmakers returned to a very busy schedule ahead of the December recess

The Know Your Social Security Act was introduced in both houses of Congress

In early December, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) issued a revised proposed rulemaking for the system that regulates the rates and classes of the Postal Service’s Market Dominant products. 

US Senate confirmed Robert M. Duncan to be a Governor of the USPS 

Congress released its 2020 draft calendar for the second session of the 116th Congress 

The U.S. Postal Service Opioid & Illicit Drug Strategy Act was introduced in the Senate

The USPS Fairness Act (S. 2965) was introduced today

As lawmakers head back today to their various districts and states, they leave behind a busy week of securing funding for the government through December 20, electing a new chair of a committee key to NALC’s priorities, and advancing legislation and proposals to help working people. 

Today, the House voted 251-158 to pass the Workplace Violence Prevention for Heath Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1309).

Following the House and Senate passage of a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through December 20, the President signed the CR into law this evening thereby averting a third government shutdown under his presidency. 

Today, the House Democratic Caucus voted to elect Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) as the new chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Today, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) introduced a proposal “to avert the collapse of critically underfunded” union pension plans. 

While the House has been back home in their respective districts, the Senate remained in Washington this week.

Today, the Senate Budget Committee advanced the Bipartisan Congressional Budget Reform Act (S. 2765) in a 15-6 vote, which saw four committee Democrats join all 11 Republicans in support of the measure.

On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs (HSGAC) advanced the Congressional Reporting Burden Reduction Act (S. 2769) via voice vote.

This week brought our 2019 NALC Heroes to Capitol Hill to be congratulated personally by their Members of Congress and Senators

The Senate passed H.R. 3055

NALC Heroes were honored by NALC President Fredric Rolando at a special luncheon in Washington DC and met with their respective Congressmen on Capitol Hill

Congress remained in session this week with legislative business pausing following the death of House Oversight and Reform Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-MD). 

Department of Labor has proposed a new rule to shift all retirement plan disclosures away from the current paper system to one where it is all posted online

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced a resolution honoring the late Joseph Curseen, Jr. and Thomas Morris, Jr.

Lawmakers are back home in their respective districts and states until October 15

House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman introduced the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act 

An impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump has begun while work continues on appropriations for FY2020.

In a 52-44 party-line vote today, the Senate confirmed Eugene Scalia as the new head of the Department Labor today. 

Senate approved the House-passed continuing resolution 

House Committee on Labor and Education advanced the Protecting the Right to Organize Act

Today in Geneva, Switzerland, delegates to a Special Congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) reached an agreement on reforms to the way postal operators pay each other for delivering international mail—the so-called “terminal dues” system. 

Today, Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced a formal impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump.

Since they returned from August Recess, lawmakers’ first priority has been to finalize appropriations for fiscal year 2020 (FY2020) ahead of the end of the fiscal year on September 30. 

Ahead of the third Extraordinary Congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in Geneva on September 24-25, there have been suggestions from the White House that it could pull the United States from the organization if the treaty does not meet the demands of the Trump Administration.

The House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution (CR) today to provide temporary funding for the government until November 21, 2019 while negotiations around long-term appropriations for fiscal year 2020 (FY2020) continue. 

Spending caps and debt limit deal (H.R. 3877) has been signed into law

Senate approved a series of nominations to the Postal Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors 

Today, Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Screening All Fentanyl-Enhanced Mail Act or “SAFE Mail Act” (H.R. 4102/S. 2323) in the House and Senate respectively. 

While the Senate remains in DC for one more week, the House is now on August Recess, which means they’re back in their respective districts for both vacation and home work periods. 

A spending caps and debt limit deal was reached

House of Representatives passed H.R. 397

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held a business meeting to vote on a series of bills and nominations

Letter carriers are joining together to contact their House Representatives 

Lawmakers were on Capitol Hill working through a variety of different issues 

Consistent communication with a district/local office is the best way to build relationships

House of Representatives voted 419-6 to repeal the ‘Cadillac tax’ 

House of Representatives voted 231-199 to pass H.R. 582

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Subcommittee held a hearing on five nominees

Congress found themselves back on Capitol Hill this week, returning to the same budget stalemate they left for the 4th of July district work period.

Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) along with 21 Democratic colleagues introduced the Asuncion Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act of 2019 

The House and Senate were in session this week with the House passing more spending bills for FY 2020, while the Senate passed a $4.6 billion border funding bill to address the humanitarian crisis to the south

Today, freshman Rep. Ben McAdams (D-UT) introduced H.R. 3577.

Today, Rep. Grace Meng (R-NY) introduced the Keep Mail Safe Act (H.R. 3579).

The House of Representatives approved the $24.6 billion fiscal year 2020 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) appropriations bill

House Ways and Means Committee held a business meeting today to mark up the bipartisan Beneficiary Education Tools Telehealth Extender Reauthorization (BETTER) Act of 2019 

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) and Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) reintroduced the Modern Employment Reform, Improvement, and Transformation (MERIT) Act 

HSGAC advanced the nomination of John McLeod Barger of California

A bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives has now cosponsored House Resolution 23, which expresses the sense that the U.S. Postal Service should take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of door delivery for all business and residential customers.

Lawmakers were in town and working on Capitol Hill this week

Following Memorial Day recess, lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill from their respective states and districts to continue work on fiscal year 2020 appropriations, to send the $19.1 billion disaster relief bill to the White House where it was signed into law, and for the House to pass legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for the ‘Dreamers’ before it promptly died in the Senate following a statement from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

A bipartisan majority of the Senate has cosponsored Senate Resolution 99 (S. Res. 99), calling on Congress to take all appropriate measures to ensure that the Postal Service remain an independent agency of the federal government and not be subject to privatization, in whole or in part. 

Today, the President announced his intent to nominate Ashley Poling to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for the remainder of a six-year term expiring November 22, 2024.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) today approved by voice vote its fiscal year (FY) 2020 bill. 

Lawmakers were on Capitol Hill this week with House committees marking up appropriations bills for fiscal year 2020 and Senate committees focused on advancing nominees. 

Today, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) held a business meeting to advance the nominations of Ron A. Bloom and Roman Martinez IV to the Postal Board of Governors (BOG), and other nominees and legislation.

House and Senate lawmakers were on Capitol Hill this week to work on a number of different issues 

Reps. Stephen Lynch and David McKinley reintroduced the Postal Service Financial Improvement Act of 2019 

Rep. Jackie Speier and 12 bipartisan colleagues introduced the “USPS Shipping Equity Act” 

The House and Senate returned to Capitol Hill this week following two weeks of in-district/state work and spring recess.

Today, Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Andy Levin (D-MI), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Brendan Boyle (D-PA) and Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act in both the House and the Senate.

Today, Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Tom Cole (R-OK), introduced the Federal Retirement Fairness Act of 2019 (H.R. 2478).

123-member conservative caucus released its outline for the fiscal year (FY) 2020 budget 

Fredric Rolando, provided testimony and answered the questions of the committee members along with other witnesses

USPS Fairness Act (H.R. 2382) has been introduced in the House

Bipartisan majority of support was reached for House Resolution 54 

Today, Rep. Harley Rouda (D-CA) introduced a bill that would modify any hard copy change of address forms used by the U.S. Postal Service to include a reminder that individuals should update their voter registration information as well.

Today, Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) introduced the Federal Leadership in Energy Efficient Transportation Act or FLEET Act (H.R. 2337) along with five other cosponsors. The bill seeks to modernize the U.S. Postal Service’s aging fleet of Long-Life Vehicles (LLVs).

Today, Reps. David Joyce (R-OH), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Michael Turner (R-OH), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) introduced H. Res. 322.

Today, Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (S. 1174).

Today, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) introduced the “Easy Access to Mail Act” (H.R. 2158), which would establish rules related to the centralized delivery of mail to residential housing units.

The House and Senate go on recess for two weeks today, which is an excellent time for letter carriers to reach out to their members of Congress and educate them on our priority issues.

Bipartisan majority of support was reached for House Resolution 33 

Today, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) held a hearing on the nominations of Ron A. Bloom and Roman Martinez IV to the Postal Board of Governors (BOG), along with two nominees to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

The House and Senate were in session this week with Appropriations and Budget season beginning to kickoff. 

In an 11-9 party-line vote today, the Senate Budget Committee advanced a budget resolution for the upcoming fiscal year (FY) 2020. 

Today, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) held a hearing titled, “A Path to Sustainability: Recommendations from the President’s Task Force on the United States Postal Service” (USPS), in order to evaluate the findings and recommendations of the White House Postal Task Force that were laid out in their December, 2018 report. 

The White House released its $4.7 trillion budget proposal 

The House of Representatives voted through the “For the People Act of 2019” (H.R. 1)

The House and Senate were in session this week with work being done on a wide array of issues including addressing the President’s national emergency declaration, the electoral reform bill H.R. 1, and much more.

Today, a bipartisan group of 25 Senators reintroduced their anti-privatization resolution (S. Res. 99) for the 116th Congress, calling on the Senate to take “all appropriate measures to ensure that the United States Postal Service remains an independent establishment of the Federal Government and is not subject to privatization in whole or in part.”

In the first fly-in of the 116th Congress, hundreds of letter carriers from all over the country marched through the halls of Capitol Hill to speak with their members of Congress and their senators on issues that impact postal and federal employees.

Progressive Democrats in the House of Representatives introduced the “Medicare for All Act of 2019” (H.R. 1384) today.

The House Committee on House Administration met today to markup the “For the People Act of 2019” (H.R. 1), the House Democrats’ sweeping legislation that looks to reform voting rights, campaign finance reform, lobbying, and government ethics, among others.  

Social Security Fairness Act has been reintroduced

The House and Senate were in session this week and returned to regular early session business, such as continuing to organize its committees and subcommittees. 

Today, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs (HSGAC) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-MI) announced the members that will serve on the committee’s subcommittees in the 116th Congress.

Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform (OR) Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-MD) and Ranking Member Jim Jordan (R-OH) announced the members that will serve on its subcommittees in the 116th Congress.

House Committee on Oversight and Reform (OR) announced its membership for the 116th Congress

The House and Senate were in session this week, negotiating an end to the longest shutdown in modern history. 

The House and Senate were in session this week and both have cancelled their planned recesses in the upcoming week due to the partial government shutdown.

The White House re-submitted four nominees to serve on the Postal Board of Governors today.

Today, Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Sam Graves (R-MO) reintroduced their door delivery resolution for the 116th Congress, calling on the House to take “all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of its 6-day mail delivery service.”

H. Res. 60’s introduction marks the third Congress that this resolution has been introduced.

Reps. Susan Davis (D-CA), Peter King (R-NY), and David Joyce (R-OH), reintroduced their door delivery resolution for the 116th Congress

A bipartisan group of 13 Representatives reintroduced their anti-privatization of the Postal Service Resolution for the 116th Congress

The House and Senate were in session this week with many lawmakers working to find a way to end the partial government shutdown. 

Today, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs (HSGAC) announced its membership for the 116th Congress. 

On Thursday January 3, the 116th Congress was sworn in and convened for its first session. 

Social Security Fairness Act of 2019 has been reintroduced

On the first day of the 116th Congress, House Democrats took the opportunity to outline their priorities by introducing H.R. 1, a legislative package that would reform voting rights, campaign finance, and government ethics.

Senate confirmed Michael Kubayanda by voice vote to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission

Congress were in session this week, working to advance the remaining appropriations bills before they reach the end of a short-term stopgap measure that is set to expire on December 21. 

The report highlights the office’s audits and white papers, its investigations, and what it deems to be challenges confronting USPS management.

A bipartisan majority of the Senate has cosponsored Senate Resolution 633.

Congress scurried to advance a two-week spending measure (known as a continuing resolution or CR) to fund 25 percent of the federal government beyond December 7.

Today, the Trump administration’s task force released its report evaluating USPS finances and operations, United States Postal Service: A Sustainable Path Forward.

This week, Congress returned from Thanksgiving recess with only a few legislative days left in the 115th to address must-pass items.

Today, the House Republican Conference ratified the following recommendations from the House Republican Steering Committee for committee ranking members in the 116th Congress

House Democrats held their caucus elections yesterday and today to determine who will lead them in the 116th Congress. Here is an update of who holds which positions and what their duties are.

Today, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), the Vice Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform (OGR) Committee, introduced the Equal COLA Act (H.R. 7165).

Following midterms, Congress returned this week for the lame-duck session, where it will complete any last-minute work before the 115th Congress concludes and the 116th Congress convenes on January 3, 2019. 

Here is an update of who holds which positions and what their duties are.

No positions changed hands between the 115th and the 116th, but here is a refresher on who holds which positions and what their duties are.

Here is an update of who holds which positions and what their duties are.

Here is a glance into how leadership elections are looking for House Democrats.

Tonight, during a lame-duck business meeting, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) advanced the nomination of Michael Kubayanda to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for the remainder of a six-year term expiring November 22, 2020.

NALC President Fredric Rolando's statement regarding the midterm election

President Trump signed H.R. 6 into law, targeting the nation’s opioid epidemic.

Activity in Washington, DC that could affect letter carriers.

A bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives has cosponsored House Resolution 993.

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) held a hearing to consider the nomination of Michael Kubayanda to the Postal Regulatory Commission.

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) introduced the Federal Leadership in Energy Efficient Transportation or FLEET Act (H.R. 6991) along with four other Democratic cosponsors

House of Representatives voted today to add an additional $657 billion to the deficit through misplaced priorities.

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs (HSGAC) marked up the Reforming Government Act of 2018 (S.3137) in addition to a number of pieces of legislation. 

House of Representatives moved to pass H.R. 6846, a bill which would require the U.S. Postal Service establish new ZIP codes.

NALC urges letter carriers to make sure they’re registered to vote with the midterm elections coming up. 

Activity in Washington, DC that could affect letter carriers.

House and Senate lawmakers convened today in a conference committee to resolve differences on H.R. 6147

H.R. 6787 and S. 3137 would give the President and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) increased authority to reorganize the government, including consolidating, transferring, creating or outright abolishing agencies altogether.

Today, a bipartisan group of senators introduced a Senate Resolution (S. Res. 633)  to ensure the Postal Service not be subject to privatization.

Activity in Washington, DC that could affect letter carriers.

Activity in Washington, DC that could affect letter carriers.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey chose former Senator and fellow Republican Jon Kyl to fill Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) seat.

On August 28, 2018, the Senate confirmed the nominations of David Williams (D) and Robert Duncan (R) to serve as members of the U.S. Postal Service’s Board of Governors, each for one term.

It should be noted that President Trump's recent federal employee pay freeze does not impact letter carriers.

The memorandum calls to improve the “terminal dues,” the fees postal operators charge for delivering mail from other operators (e.g., the Royal Mail of the U.K. or China Post), and to negotiate changes in customs procedures for postal shipments.

Activity in Washington, DC that could affect letter carriers.

House and Senate Activity in Washington, D.C. that could affect letter carriers.

The Senate confirmed Robert L. Wilkie as Secretary for Veterans Affairs in an 86-9 vote.

As of today, 48 members have cosponsored the resolution (37 Democrat, 11 Republican). At the end of this week, members of the House will return to their districts for August recess, but before they go, letter carriers must let them know we need their support.

House passes FSGG Appropriations bill, preserves 6-day and defeats McHenry amendment.

On July 12, Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) introduced a companion bill to the Modern Employment Reform and Transformation (MERIT) Act as S. 3200. 

Bipartisan representatives introduced a House Resolution (H. Res. 993) calling on Congress to take all appropriate measures to ensure that the Postal Service remain an independent agency of the federal government and not be subject to privatization.

Activity in Washington, DC that could affect letter carriers

The hearing was to explore the administration’s recently-announced reorganization plan that includes a proposal first to restructure the U.S. Postal Service, then to privatize it.

NALC President Fredric Rolando criticized the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposal to privatize the United States Postal Service, which was released today. 

In a narrow 5-4 decision Wednesday, the Supreme Court once again sided with corporate special interests and against America’s working families.

The House and Senate were in session this past week and will remain so through June 29 next week, before heading home for the Independence Day district work period.

Today, in a 396-14 vote, the House of Representatives passed the “Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act” (H.R. 6), which serves as a vehicle for a series of opioid-related bills.

Tomorrow is the AFL-CIO National Day of Action that will kick off labor events all over the country.

The committee preserved NALC’s long-standing language preserving six-day mail delivery, following similar preservation of language from the House committee last week.

The plan would increase defense spending and cut domestic spending by $8 trillion in an attempt to balance the budget by 2027.

Following the June 7 House passage, in a 48-50 vote today, the Senate blocked the $15 billion rescission package titled “Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act” (H.R. 3) from advancing.

Today, Rep. Meadows (R-NC) along with Reps. Russell (R-OK), Ross (R-FL), Connolly (D-VA), Cummings (D-MD), and Lynch (D-MA), introduced the Postal Reform Act of 2018 (H.R. 6076), intended to be a replacement for the Postal Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 756).

The House and Senate were in session this past week and worked on a number of items of interest for letter carriers.

Today, the House of Representatives advanced “The Securing the International Mail against Opioids Act of 2018” (H.R. 5788), drafted as a replacement for the stalled STOP Act (H.R. 1057, S. 372).

Today, the House Committee on Appropriations passed the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Act, including NALC’s long-standing language preserving six-day mail delivery.

Today, the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) held a business meeting to consider two nominations and a series of measures

Today, House and Senate Democratic leadership introduced the ‘‘Workers’ Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2018’’ or “A Better Deal for America’s Workers.”

Today, the House of Representatives passed a $15 billion rescission package titled, “Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act” (H.R. 3) in a narrow 210-206 vote.

This measure will give the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary the authority to privatize and consolidate veteran health care programs, including the VA Choice Program, into a single, permanent Veterans Community Care Program.

Today, President Trump announced his intent to nominate (link) Michael Kubayanda to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for the remainder of a six-year term expiring November 22, 2020.

As of today, all NALC priority resolutions now have a bipartisan majority of Congress supporting them.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell cancelled all but the first week of the chamber’s four-week August recess today.

Following a week off, Congress is back on Capitol Hill facing a busy schedule, which includes a series of must-pass bills before the end of the month.

NALC is currently investigating if the executive orders issued by President Trump on Friday May 25 have any impact on the United States Postal Service. We will report our findings as information becomes available.

Today, the House Oversight and Government Reform (OGR) Subcommittee on Government Operations held a hearing titled “Union Time on the People's Dime.”

The House of Representatives passed the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, which included an amendment requiring the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to submit a detailed report to Congress on the use of official time by federal employees.

The bill would provide newly hired veterans in frontline medical positions at the VA with paid sick leave, correcting a loophole in existing law to provide the same benefits that veteran employees in other federal agencies currently receive.

The country’s ongoing opioid epidemic has sparked a series of proposals aimed at solving the crisis, some of which include provisions regarding the Postal Service.

Today, the president announced he intends to nominate Acting Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie to lead the agency.

OPM sent a letter to Paul Ryan making four legislative recommendations that, if enacted, would require current and future federal employees to make larger pension contributions, and also would scale back retirement benefits for current retirees.

Today, the House Oversight and Government Affairs Committee held a hearing titled, “Workforce For The 21st Century: Analyzing the President’s Management Agenda.”