Government affairs

Legislative Updates

Legislative Update, Dec. 13, 2016

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.

Get the NALC Member App

Customized notifications. Customized rotational calendar. Lots more. Free—for iPhone or Android smartphone. Go to nalc.org/app to learn more.

Medicare ‘hold harmless’ bill

On Dec. 2, Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced legislation to limit Medicare Part B premium increases for 2017. Click here to learn more.

Action alert

Letter carriers helped build up our resolution co-sponsors during the 114th Congress; we're preparing to double-down for the 115th. Each resolution is expected to be reintroduced. Say “thanks” to our champions and educate those who never signed on about the importance of the services letter carriers provide. Click below to see whether your representative co-sponsored all three.

H.Res. 12 (six-day):
238 co-sponsors
Fact Sheet

 

H.Res. 28 (door delivery):
228 co-sponsors
Fact Sheet

 

H.Res. 54 (service standards):
236 co-sponsors
Fact Sheet

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