GovernmentExecutive.com

The Senate last week approved an amendment to the fiscal 2005 budget resolution that will help speed passage of postal overhaul legislation -- once the legislation is written.

An amendment sponsored by Senate Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Thomas Carper, D-Del., sets up a deficit-neutral reserve fund to enact postal changes.

Although Collins and Carper have not yet drafted a bill, the Governmental Affairs Committee has held six hearings on the legislation, and Collins and Carper plan to introduce a bill next month.

Under the amendment passed last week, if the committee reports a fully offset reform bill, Budget Chairman Nickles can allocate the direct spending authority needed to bring the bill to the floor, without the bill being subject to a Budget Act point of order.

"This amendment puts the Senate on notice that we intend to move a postal reform bill this year," Collins said.

COMMENTS

• Privatize the post office by putting various functions up for sale to the highest bid. That would get us better service and reasonable postage prices. My grandchildren's birthday cards would not subsidize the junk mail I receive from almost all types of companies. Bush should start a no mail list that is the same as the no call list. tax payer Posted March 16, 2004 6:32 AM