Bill · H.R. 170· House(119-HR-170)
USPS Subpoena Authority Act
- Introduced
- 1/3/2025
- Last activity
- 1/3/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Sponsored by
- Nicole Malliotakis
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "USPS Subpoena Authority Act," aims to amend title 39 of the United States Code. It focuses on enhancing the administrative subpoena authority of the United States Postal Service. The legislation would allow the Postmaster General to issue written subpoenas for records and testimony during investigations of covered offenses. These offenses include specific violations involving the use of the mails or the Controlled Substances Act. Additionally, the bill limits who can approve the delegation of subpoena authority within the Postal Service.
Yes
Does this change how police departments operate?+3
The bill enhances the administrative investigative capabilities of the USPS to enforce laws related to the Controlled Substances Act and mail-related offenses.
The opposite
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-4
The bill increases the ability of the government to compel the production of private documents and testimony regarding covered offenses.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?-2
The bill expands the unilateral power of the Postmaster General to compel production of records and testimony without external judicial oversight.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Enhanced Investigation Capabilities: The Postmaster General may issue subpoenas for the production of records, such as books, papers, and documents, that are considered relevant or material to an investigation of a covered offense (Section 2).
-
Access to Testimony: The bill allows for subpoenas to require testimony from the custodian of requested items regarding the production and authenticity of those things, provided it is not an investigation under section 3005(a) (Section 2).
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Targeted Enforcement: The expanded authority covers specific areas including violations of the Controlled Substances Act involving the use of the mails (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Investigative Reach: The Postmaster General is granted the authority to require the production of any records or tangible things considered relevant to an investigation into covered offenses, such as those involving the Controlled Substances Act or other provisions of law (Section 2).
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Requirement of Testimony: Individuals acting as custodians of required records may be compelled to provide testimony concerning the production and authenticity of those items (Section 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights-4Improves Government Transparency-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+3
- 5/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/3/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Grace MengDemocrat · New York
Christopher SmithRepublican · New Jersey
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York