Athens Reporter

Congressman Andrew Clyde of Georgia has presented the Postal Service Transparency and Review Act to enhance oversight of the United States Postal Service's (USPS) decision-making. The move follows significant disruptions caused by the consolidation of local Processing & Distribution Centers in North Georgia into a Regional Processing & Distribution Center in Palmetto, Georgia.

Clyde stated, "The U.S. Postal Service’s botched transition and consolidation operation in North Georgia highlights the dire need for oversight reform." He argued that proper oversight could have mitigated mail delays and the accompanying challenges experienced in Georgia.

The legislation is designed to strengthen oversight by requiring the USPS to submit significant proposed changes to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for review 180 days before the changes take effect. Changes affecting service at the district level, typically aligned with state boundaries, must also undergo review. Moreover, the PRC is authorized to suspend any changes if the USPS does not seek the necessary advisory opinion.

The bill will also allow Congress to disapprove changes through a fast-tracked joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act after the PRC issues an opinion.

Clyde's proposal includes several requirements for the USPS to improve accountability. The changes, if implemented, aim to prevent the Postal Service from bypassing necessary evaluations and accountability processes.

Initial supporters of the bill include Representatives Rick Allen, Buddy Carter, Brian Jack, Barry Loudermilk, Rich McCormick, and Austin Scott from Georgia.

The context for the introduction of this bill dates back to August 2024, when Clyde led a delegation to demand an advisory opinion from then-USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy regarding the consolidation process in Georgia. The USPS responded by seeking an advisory opinion from the PRC on its "Delivering for America" plan. The PRC's subsequent opinion highlighted issues with the plan's modeling, financial projections, and its impact on rural communities across the U.S.