POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

Postal Regulatory Commission is an independent federal agency that provides regulatory oversight over the U.S. Postal Service. Initially, its oversight consisted primarily of conducting public, on-the-record hearings concerning proposed rate, mail classification, or major service changes; and recommending decisions for action by the postal governors. The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) enacted on December 20, 2006, requires the agency to develop and maintain regulations for... a modern system of rate regulation, consult with the Postal Service on delivery service standards and performance measures, consult with the Department of State on international postal policies, prevent cross-subsidization or other anti-competitive postal practices, promote transparency and accountability, and adjudicate complaints. The law also assigns new and continuing oversight responsibilities to the agency, including annual determinations of Postal Service compliance with applicable laws, development of accounting practices and procedures for the Postal Service, review of the Universal Service requirement, and assurance of transparency through periodic reports. Postal Regulatory Commission’s new enforcement tools include subpoena power, authority to direct the Postal Service to adjust rates and to take other remedial actions, and levying fines in cases of deliberate non-compliance with applicable postal laws. Postal Regulatory Commission is headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia.More