HR 170 — USPS Subpoena Authority Act

Summary

The USPS Subpoena Authority Act gives the United States Postal Service the ability to issue subpoenas, which are formal requests for information or documents during investigations. This would help the Postal Service more effectively gather evidence and respond to issues like fraud or misconduct.

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in House Current html January 03, 2025

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands the subpoena authority of the United States Postal Service by redefining covered offenses and modifying the procedures for issuing subpoenas.

• 39 U.S.C. § 3016(a)(1)

  subparagraph (B) → subparagraph (D)

  Changes the designation of subparagraph (B) to (D) to accommodate the new structure of the section.

• 39 U.S.C. § 3016(a)(1)

  In general.—In any investigation conducted under section 3005(a), the Postmaster General may require by subpoena the production of any records (including books, papers, documents, and other tangible things which constitute or contain evidence) which the Postmaster General considers relevant or material to such investigation. → In general.--In any investigation relating to a covered offense, the Postmaster General may issue in writing and cause to be served a subpoena requiring the production and testimony described in subparagraph (B). In this subparagraph, the term 'covered offense' means a violation of-- (i) any section in this chapter; (ii) any section of chapter 83 of title 18 insofar as such violation involves the use of the mails; (iii) any other provision of law enumerated in section 3001(a); or (iv) the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), insofar as such violation involves the use of the mails.

  Expands the categories of offenses that can trigger a subpoena, including violations related to the Controlled Substances Act.

• 39 U.S.C. § 3016(a)(1)

  No subpoena shall be issued under this paragraph except in accordance with procedures, established by the Postal Service, requiring that— (i) a specific case, with an individual or entity identified as the subject, be opened before a subpoena is requested; (ii) appropriate supervisory and legal review of a subpoena request be performed; and (iii) delegation of subpoena approval authority be limited to the Postal Service’s General Counsel or a Deputy General Counsel. → Except as provided in subparagraph (C), a subpoena issued under subparagraph (A) may require-- (i) the production of any records (including books, papers, documents, and other tangible things that constitute or contain evidence) that the Postmaster General considers relevant or material to such investigation; and (ii) testimony by the custodian of the things required to be produced concerning the production and authenticity of those things.

  Changes the requirements for issuing subpoenas, allowing for the inclusion of testimony from the custodian of produced records.

• 39 U.S.C. § 3016(a)(1)

  delegation of subpoena approval authority be limited to the Postal Service’s General Counsel or a Deputy General Counsel. → delegation of subpoena approval authority be limited to the Postal Service's General Counsel, a Deputy General Counsel, or the Chief Postal Inspector.

  Expands the authority to approve subpoenas to include the Chief Postal Inspector.

Action History

1. January 03, 2025

   Introduced in House

2. January 03, 2025

   Introduced in House

3. January 03, 2025

   Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Sponsors

• Grace Meng · Cosponsor
• Christopher H. Smith · Cosponsor
• Thomas R. Suozzi · Cosponsor
• Nicole Malliotakis · Primary

Subjects