,i #aacth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #fcj ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,february #ac1 #bjac ,mr4 ,de,fazio introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform1 and in addition to the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to recalculate and restore retirement annuity obligations of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 eliminate the requirement that the ,united ,states ,postal ,service pre-fund the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund1 place restrictions on the closure of postal facilities1 create incentives for innovation for the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 to maintain levels of postal service1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,postal ,service ,protection ,act of #bjac4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,title ,i--,retirement annuity obligation recalculation and restoration ,sec4 #aja4 ,modified methodology4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,relating to a postal surplus4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,treatment of certain surplus retirement contributions4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,elimination of requirement to pre-fund the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,effective date2 rule of construction4 ,title ,,ii--,restrictions on postal facility closures ,sec4 #bja4 ,modified procedures4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,definitions4 ,title ,,iii--,incentives for innovation ,sec4 #cja4 ,authority to offer nonpostal services and products4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,wine and beer shipping4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,innovation and accountability4 ,title ,,iv--,maintaining levels of service ,sec4 #dja4 ,six-day delivery4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,service standards for market-dominant products4 ,title ,v--,elimination of annual limitation on increases in rates for market-dominant products ,sec4 #eja4 ,elimination of annual limitation4 ,i ,retirement annuity obligation recalculation and restoration #aja4 ,modified methodology 7a7 ,in general ,section #hcdh7;h7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 7,a7 ,to the extent that a determination under paragraph 7#a71 relating to benefits attributable to civilian employment with the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 is based on a provision of law described in subparagraph 7,c71 the determination shall be made in accordance with that provision and any otherwise applicable provisions of law1 subject to the following3 7i7 ,the average pay used in the case of any individual shall be a single amount1 determined in accordance with section #hcca7d71 taking into account the rates of basic pay in effect for the individual during the periods of creditable service performed by the individual4 ,nothing in this subsection shall be considered to permit or require-- 7,i7 #a determination of average pay with respect to service performed with the ,united ,states ,postal ,service2 and 7,,ii7 a separate determination of average pay with respect to service performed with its predecessor entity in function4 7ii7 ,in determining the portion of an annuity attributable to civilian employment with the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 with respect to any period of employment with the ,united ,states ,postal ,service that follows any other period of employment creditable under section #hccb 7without regard to whether the employment was with an entity referred to in clause 7i77,,ii771 the total service of an employee for purposes of any provision of law described in subparagraph 7,c7 shall be the sum of-- 7,i7 any period of employment with the ,united ,states ,postal ,service2 and 7,,ii7 any period of employment creditable under section #hccb that precedes the period described in subclause 7,i74 7,b7 7i7 ,not later than #f months after the date of enactment of this paragraph1 the ,office shall determine 7or1 if applicable1 redetermine7 the amount of the ,postal surplus or supplemental liability as of the close of the fiscal year most recently ending before that date of enactment1 in conformance with the methodology required under subparagraph 7,a74 7ii7 7,i7 ,if the result of the determination or redetermination under clause 7i7 is a surplus1 the ,office may transfer the amount of the surplus1 or any portion of the amount of the surplus1 at the request of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 to-- 7aa7 the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund established under section #hiji;a2 and 7bb7 the ,postal ,service ,fund established under section #bjjc of title #ci4 7,,ii7 ,if a determination or redetermination under clause 7i7 for a fiscal year is made before a determination under paragraph 7#b77;,b7 is made with respect to the fiscal year1 the ,office may not make a determination under paragraph 7#b77;,b7 with respect to the fiscal year4 7,c7 ,the provisions of law described in this subparagraph are-- 7i7 the first sentence of section #hcci7;a72 and 7ii7 section #hcci7;d77#a74 4 7b7 ,coordination provisions 7#a7 ,determination of amount payable ,section #hiji;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,office shall determine the amount payable by the ,postal ,service under subsection 7d7 in any fiscal year ending on or before ,september #cj1 #bjac1 without regard to the requirements under section #hcdh7;h77#d74 4 7#b7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this ,act shall affect the amount of any benefits otherwise payable from the ,civil ,service ,retirement and ,disability ,fund to any individual4 7c7 ,technical and conforming amendment ,the heading for section #hiji;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking ,benefit and inserting ,benefits4 #ajb4 ,relating to a postal surplus ,section #hcdh7;h77#b77;,c7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting #bjba1 after #bjae12 and 7#b7 by striking if the result is and all that follows through terminated4 and inserting the following3 if the result is a surplus-- 7i7 that amount1 or any portion of that amount1 may be transferred at the request of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service to-- 7,i7 the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund2 and 7,,ii7 the ,postal ,service ,fund established under section #bjjc of title #ci2 and 7ii7 any prior amortization schedule for payments shall be terminated4 4 #ajc4 ,treatment of certain surplus retirement contributions ,section #hdbc7;b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#e7 as paragraph 7#f72 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#d7 the following3 7#e7 ,if1 for fiscal year #bjaj1 the amount computed under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 is less than zero 7in this section referred to as surplus postal contributions71 the amount of the surplus postal contributions1 or any portion of the amount1 may be transferred at the request of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service to-- 7,a7 the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund established under section #hiji;a2 7,b7 the ,postal ,service ,fund established under section #bjjc of title #ci2 7,c7 the ,employees' ,compensation ,fund established under section #hadg2 and 7,d7 the ,united ,states ,postal ,service for the repayment of any obligation issued under section #bjje of title #ci4 4 #ajd4 ,elimination of requirement to pre-fund the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund 7a7 ,in general ,section #hiji;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 by striking paragraph 7#c72 and 7,b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#d7 through 7#f7 as paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#e71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by adding at after subsection 7e7 7as added by section #aja7;b77#a77 the following3 7f7 ,nothing in this section shall be construed to require the ,postal ,service to pay any amount into the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund established under section #hiji;a4 4 7b7 ,technical and conforming amendment ,section #hjc7;b77#a77;,a7 of the ,postal ,accountability and ,enhancement ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 #hiji;a note7 is amended by striking #hiji;a7d77#e7 and inserting #hiji;a7d77#d74 #aje4 ,effective date2 rule of construction 7a7 ,in general ,this title and the amendments made by this title shall take effect on the date of enactment of this ,act4 7b7 ,intent of ,congress ,it is the intent of ,congress that this title apply with respect to the allocation of past1 present1 and future benefit liabilities between the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and the ,treasury of the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this ,act or the amendments made by this ,act shall be construed to prohibit the ,postal ,service from paying any amount of surplus contributions to the ,civil ,service ,retirement and ,disability ,fund and the ,federal ,employees' ,retirement ,system into-- 7#a7 the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund established under section #hiji;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7#b7 the ,postal ,service ,fund established under section #bjjc of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,,ii ,restrictions on postal facility closures #bja4 ,modified procedures 7a7 ,in general ,section #djd7;d7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking 7d77#a7 and all that follows through paragraph 7#d7 and inserting the following3 7d7 7#a7 ,before making a determination under subsection 7a77#c7 to close or consolidate a postal facility1 the ,postal ,service shall-- 7,a7 conduct an investigation to assess the need for the proposed closure or consolidation2 and 7,b7 ensure that each person served by the postal facility has an opportunity to present views by providing appropriate notice-- 7i7 to each person by mail2 and 7ii7 by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the area in which each person resides4 7#b7 ,in conducting an investigation under paragraph 7#a77;,a7 and determining whether to close or consolidate a postal facility under subsection 7a77#c71 the ,postal ,service-- 7,a7 shall consider-- 7i7 the effect the closing or consolidation would have on the community served by the postal facility2 7ii7 the effect the closing or consolidation would have on employees of the ,postal ,service employed at the postal facility2 and 7iii7 whether the closing or consolidation would be consistent with the policy of the ,government under section #aja7;b71 that the ,postal ,service shall provide a maximum degree of effective and regular postal services to rural areas1 communities1 and small towns where postal facilities are not self-sustaining2 and 7,b7 may not consider compliance with any provision of the ,occupational ,safety and ,health ,act of #aigj 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #fea et seq474 7#c7 7,a7 ,upon completion of an investigation under paragraph 7#a71 the ,postal ,service shall make a decision1 in writing1 whether to proceed with the proposal to close or consolidate a postal facility1 which shall include the findings of the ,postal ,service with respect to each factor specified in paragraph 7#b77;,a74 7,b7 ,not later than #ij days before the ,postal ,service makes a final determination under this subsection1 the ,postal ,service shall-- 7i7 post notice of the decision and findings under subparagraph 7,a7 in a prominent place in each postal facility that would be affected by the closing or consolidation2 and 7ii7 send notice of each posting under clause 7i7 by mail to each person served by the postal facility in which the notice is posted4 7,c7 ,notice under subparagraph 7,b7 shall include-- 7i7 a statement as follows3 ,this is notice of a proposal to this postal facility4 ,a final determination will not be made before the end of the #ij-;day period beginning on the date on which this notice is first posted41 with the blank space being filled in with close or consolidate 7whichever is appropriate71 and with instructions for how any interested person may submit comments2 7ii7 a brief summary of the findings of the ,postal ,service with respect to the factors specified in paragraph 7#b77;,a72 and 7iii7 the amount of cost savings the ,postal ,service estimates the ,postal ,service will realize from the closing or consolidation1 in the first year following the date of the closing or consolidation1 together with an explanation of the assumptions and methodologies used in making the estimate4 7#d7 ,the ,postal ,service shall make a final determination to close or consolidate a postal facility in writing after taking into consideration any comments received during the #ij-;day period described under paragraph 7#c74 ,the ,postal ,service shall take no action to close or consolidate a postal facility before the date that is #fj days after the date on which the ,postal ,service-- 7,a7 posts a copy of the final determination in a prominent location in each affected postal facility2 and 7,b7 sends to each person served by the postal facility-- 7i7 a notice of the determination2 and 7ii7 notice of any appeal rights available with respect to the determination4 4 7b7 ,de novo review ,section #djd7;d77#e7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking post office and inserting postal facility2 and 7#b7 by striking ,the ,commission shall set aside and all that follows through final disposition of the appeal4 and inserting the following3 ,the ,commission shall review de novo the determination of the ,postal ,service4 ,in conducting a review de novo1 the ,commission shall consider the factors described in paragraph 7#b77;,a74 ,if the ,commission finds fault with a determination of the ,postal ,service1 the ,commission shall suspend the effectiveness of the determination of the ,postal ,service44 7c7 ,exception2 calculation of actual cost savings ,section #djd7;d7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#g7 7,a7 ,paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#f7 shall not apply in the case of a closing or consolidation which occurs by reason of an emergency suspension1 as described in section #bda4c of title #ci1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor thereto4 7,b7 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the term emergency suspension does not1 in the case of a leased facility1 include the termination or cancellation of the lease by a party other than the ,postal ,service4 7#h7 7,a7 ,not later than #b years after the date of the closing or consolidation of any postal facility occurring after the date of enactment of this paragraph1 the ,inspector ,general shall determine the amount of the cost savings realized by the ,postal ,service from the closing or consolidation for the first year following the closing or consolidation4 7,b7 ,the ,inspector ,general shall submit to the ,postmaster ,general and to ,congress-- 7i7 a report for each postal facility for which the ,inspector made a determination of cost savings under subparagraph 7,a7 during the preceding year that includes-- 7,i7 the amount of the cost savings determined to be realized with respect to each closing or consolidation of a postal facility1 together with an explanation of the assumptions and methodologies used in making the determination2 7,,ii7 a comparison of-- 7aa7 the cost savings determined by the ,inspector ,general2 and 7bb7 the estimates provided by the ,postal ,service under paragraph 7#c77;,c77iii72 and 7,,iii7 an explanation of the reasons for any differences between the determination of the ,inspector ,general and the estimates of the ,postal ,service1 together with recommendations for any legislation or administrative action that the ,inspector ,general considers appropriate to provide for more accurate estimates2 and 7ii7 an annual report with respect to all the postal facilities for which the ,inspector made a determination of cost savings under subparagraph 7,a7 that includes the information required under clause 7i74 4 #bjb4 ,definitions ,section #djd7;d7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #bja7;c71 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7#i7 ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term postal facility includes an office1 branch1 station1 or other facility which-- 7i7 is operated by the ,postal ,service2 and 7ii7 provides services to persons described in subparagraph 7,b72 and 7,b7 any reference to the persons served by a postal facility shall include a postal customer receiving mail delivery service from the postal facility1 a resident of a ,,zip code served by the postal facility1 a postal customer having a post office box at the postal facility1 and any relevant local government official as defined by the ,postal ,service by rule4 4 ,,iii ,incentives for innovation #cja4 ,authority to offer nonpostal services and products 7a7 ,specific power ,section #djd7;a7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#g71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#h71 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#i7 to provide nonpostal services and products in accordance with subsection 7e74 4 7b7 ,nonpostal services and products ,section #djd7;e7 is amended to read as follows3 7e7 7#a7 ,the ,postal ,service may provide any nonpostal service or product in a manner consistent with the public interest4 7#b7 ,not later than #ij days before providing a nonpostal service or product that the ,postal ,service did not provide before the date of enactment of this subsection1 the ,postal ,service shall request an advisory opinion from the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission that evaluates the extent to which the provision of that nonpostal service or product-- 7,a7 would use the processing1 transportation1 delivery1 retail network1 technology1 or other resources of the ,postal ,service2 and 7,b7 would be consistent with the public interest4 7#c7 ,not later than #de days after the date on which the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission receives a request under paragraph 7#b71 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall-- 7,a7 issue an advisory opinion to the ,postal ,service concerning the request2 and 7,b7 transmit a copy of the advisory opinion1 together with the original request1 to-- 7i7 the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7ii7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate4 7#d7 ,in this title1 the term nonpostal service or product means any service or product other than a postal service1 including-- 7,a7 check-cashing services2 7,b7 technology and media services2 7,c7 warehousing and logistics2 7,d7 facility leasing2 7,e7 public ,internet access services2 7,f7 driver licensing2 7,g7 vehicle registration2 7,h7 hunting and fishing licensing2 7,i7 notary services2 and 7,j7 voter registration4 7#e7 ,the ,postal ,service may enter into a contract with a ,state or local agency to provide a nonpostal service or product authorized under this subsection4 4 #cjb4 ,wine and beer shipping 7a7 ,mailability 7#a7 ,nonmailable articles ,section #agaf7;f7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking mails and inserting mails1 except to the extent that the mailing is allowable under section #cjja7p7 of title #ci4 7#b7 ,intoxicants ,section #aaed7;a7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended1 by inserting or1 with respect to the mailing of wine or malt beverages1 to the extent allowed under section #cjja7p7 of title #ci after mechanical purposes4 7b7 ,regulations ,section #cjja of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7p7 7#a7 ,wine or malt beverages shall be considered mailable if mailed-- 7,a7 by a licensed winery or brewery1 in accordance with applicable regulations under paragraph 7#b72 and 7,b7 in accordance with the law of the ,state1 territory1 or district of the ,united ,states where the addressee or duly authorized agent takes delivery4 7#b7 ,the ,postal ,service shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this subsection1 including regulations providing that-- 7,a7 the mailing shall be by a means established by the ,postal ,service to ensure direct delivery to the addressee or a duly authorized agent at a postal facility2 7,b7 the addressee 7and any duly authorized agent7 shall be an individual at least #ba years of age1 and shall present a valid1 government-issued photo identification at the time of delivery2 7,c7 the wine or malt beverages may not be for resale or other commercial purpose2 and 7,d7 the winery or brewery involved shall-- 7i7 certify in writing to the satisfaction of the ,postal ,service1 through a registration process administered by the ,postal ,service1 that the mailing is not in violation of any provision of this subsection or regulation prescribed under this subsection2 and 7ii7 provide any other information or affirmation that the ,postal ,service may require1 including with respect to the prepayment of ,state alcohol beverage taxes4 7#c7 ,for purposes of this subsection-- 7,a7 a winery shall be considered to be licensed if that winery holds an appropriate basic permit issued-- 7i7 under the ,federal ,alcohol ,administration ,act 7#bg ,u4,s4,c4 #bja et seq472 and 7ii7 under the law of the ,state in which the winery is located2 and 7,b7 a brewery shall be considered to be licensed if that brewery-- 7i7 possesses a notice of registration and bond approved by the ,alcohol and ,tobacco ,tax and ,trade ,bureau of the ,department of the ,treasury2 and 7ii7 is licensed to manufacture and sell beer in the ,state in which the brewery is located4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the earlier of-- 7#a7 the date on which the ,postal ,service issues regulations under section #cjja7p7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by this section2 or 7#b7 #abj days after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #cjc4 ,innovation and accountability 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #b of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bji4 ,innovation and accountability 7a7 ,chief innovation officer ,there shall be in the ,postal ,service a ,chief ,innovation ,officer appointed by the ,postmaster ,general who shall have proven expertise and a record of success in-- 7#a7 the postal and shipping industry2 7#b7 innovative product research and development2 7#c7 marketing brand strategy2 7#d7 emerging communications technology2 or 7#e7 business process management4 7b7 ,duties ,the ,chief ,innovation ,officer shall-- 7#a7 lead the development of innovative nonpostal products and services that maximize the revenue of the ,postal ,service2 7#b7 develop innovative postal products and services1 particularly products and services that use emerging information technologies1 to maximize the revenue of the ,postal ,service2 7#c7 supervise the implementation of products and services described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b72 and 7#d7 monitor the performance of products and services described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and modify the products and services as needed to address changing market trends4 7c7 ,considerations ,the ,chief ,innovation ,office shall take into consideration comments or advisory opinions1 if applicable1 issued by the ,postal ,regulatory ,committee before the initial sale of innovative postal or nonpostal products and services4 7d7 ,designation 7#a7 ,deadline ,as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this section1 and not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,postmaster ,general shall appoint a ,chief ,innovation ,officer4 7#b7 ,condition ,the ,chief ,innovation ,officer may not1 while serving as ,chief ,innovation ,officer1 hold any other office or position in the ,postal ,service4 7#c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an individual who holds another office or position in the ,postal ,service at the time the individual is appointed ,chief ,innovation ,officer from serving as the ,chief ,innovation ,officer under this section4 7e7 ,advisory commission 7#a7 ,establishment ,there is established the ,postal ,innovation ,advisory ,commission 7hereinafter the ,commission74 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall be composed of-- 7i7 the ,chief ,innovation ,officer established under subsection 7a71 who shall serve as ,chairperson of the ,commission2 and 7ii7 #e other members as the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall appoint1 of whom-- 7,i7 #a member shall have expertise in labor2 7,,ii7 #a member shall have expertise in small business issues2 7,,iii7 #a member shall have expertise in consumer protection2 7,,iv7 #a member shall have expertise in small periodicals and newspapers2 and 7,v7 #a member shall have expertise in the postal industry4 7,b7 ,period of appointment ,members shall be appointed for #e-year terms4 7,c7 ,vacancies ,any vacancy in the ,commission shall not affect the powers of the ,commission1 but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment4 7,d7 ,meetings ,the ,commission shall meet at the call of the ,chairperson4 7,e7 ,quorum ,a majority of the members of the ,commission shall constitute a quorum1 but a lesser number of members may hold hearings4 7#c7 ,duties of the commission 7,a7 ,study ,the ,commission shall study-- 7i7 additional postal and nonpostal services that the ,postal ,service may offer to raise revenue2 and 7ii7 services that postal services in foreign countries have offered to respond to the increasing demand for high-tech services1 including-- 7,i7 banking and insurance services2 7,,ii7 communication services2 7,,iii7 physical delivery of e-mail correspondence to individuals who do not have ,internet access2 7,,iv7 scanning physical mail and delivering that mail through e-mail2 and 7,v7 communication through secure servers4 7,b7 ,recommendations ,the ,commission shall generate recommendations for additional services that the ,postal ,service should provide based on the study conducted under subparagraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this section1 and each year thereafter1 the ,commission shall submit to the ,postmaster ,general a report that contains each recommendation described under subparagraph 7,b7 that the ,commission approves by a majority vote4 7#d7 ,powers of the commission 7,a7 ,hearings ,the ,commission may hold such hearings1 take such testimony1 and receive such evidence as is necessary to carry out this subsection4 7,b7 ,information from federal agencies ,the ,commission may secure directly from any ,federal department or agency such information as the ,commission considers necessary to carry out this subsection4 ,upon request of the ,chairperson of the ,commission1 the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the ,commission4 7,c7 ,postal services ,the ,commission may use the ,united ,states mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the ,federal ,government4 7,d7 ,gifts ,the ,commission may accept1 use1 and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property4 7#e7 ,commission personnel matters 7,a7 ,compensation of members ,each member of the ,commission who is not an officer or employee of the ,federal ,government 7including the ,postal ,service7 shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level ,,iv of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecae of title #e for each day 7including travel time7 during which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the ,commission4 ,all members of the ,commission who are officers or employees of the ,united ,states1 including the ,postal ,service1 shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services as officers or employees of the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,travel expenses ,the members of the ,commission shall be allowed travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter ,i of chapter #eg of title #e while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the ,commission4 7,c7 ,staff 7i7 ,in general ,the ,chairperson of the ,commission may1 without regard to the civil service laws and regulations1 appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the ,commission to perform its duties4 ,the employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the ,commission4 7ii7 ,compensation ,the ,chairperson of the ,commission may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to chapter #ea and subchapter ,,iii of chapter #ec of title #e relating to classification of positions and ,general ,schedule pay rates1 except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level ,v of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecaf of title #e4 7,d7 ,detail of government employees ,any ,federal ,government employee1 including an employee of the ,postal ,service1 may be detailed to the ,commission without reimbursement1 and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege4 7,e7 ,procurement of temporary and intermittent services ,the ,chairperson of the ,commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section #caji7;b7 of title #e at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level ,v of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecaf of title #e4 7#f7 ,permanent advisory commission ,section #ad of the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to the ,commission4 7#g7 ,authorization of appropriations 7,a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to the ,commission to carry out this ,act4 7,b7 ,availability ,any sums appropriated under the authorization contained in this section shall remain available1 without fiscal year limitation1 until expended4 7f7 ,innovation strategy 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,postmaster ,general shall submit1 at the same time the ,president submits the annual budget request under section #aaje of title #ca for that year1 and together with the report on performance under subsection 7g71 a comprehensive strategy for maximizing the revenue of the ,postal ,service through innovative postal and nonpostal products and services to-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate2 7,b7 the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7,c7 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 7#b7 ,matters to be addressed ,at a minimum1 the strategy required by this subsection shall address-- 7,a7 the specific innovative postal and nonpostal products and services to be developed and offered by the ,postal ,service1 including the nature of the market demand to be satisfied by each product and service and the estimated date by which each product and service will be introduced2 7,b7 the cost of developing and offering each product or service2 7,c7 the anticipated sales volume for each product and service2 7,d7 the anticipated revenues and profits expected to be generated by each product and service2 7,e7 the likelihood of success of each product and service and the risks associated with the development and sale of each product and service2 7,f7 the trends anticipated in market conditions that may affect the success of each product and service during the #e-year period following the submission of the report2 and 7,g7 the metrics that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the innovation strategy4 7#c7 ,strategy updates ,the ,postmaster ,general shall-- 7,a7 update the strategy required under this subsection every #b years2 and 7,b7 submit the updated strategy1 at the same time the ,president submits the annual budget request under section #aaje of title #ca for that year1 and together with the report on performance under subsection 7g71 to-- 7i7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate2 7ii7 the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7iii7 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 7g7 ,report on performance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,postmaster ,general shall submit an annual report that describes the progress of the ,postal ,service in implementing the strategy under this section1 at the same time the ,president submits the annual budget request under section #aaje of title #ca1 to-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate2 7,b7 the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7,c7 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 7#b7 ,matters to be addressed ,at a minimum1 a report under this subsection shall include-- 7,a7 the revenue generated by each product and service developed through the strategy under this section and the costs of developing and offering each product or service for the preceding year2 7,b7 the total sales volume and revenue generated by each product and service on a monthly basis for the preceding year2 7,c7 trends in each market in which a product or service is intended to satisfy a demand2 7,d7 products and services identified in the strategy under this section that are to be discontinued1 the date on which the discontinuance will occur1 and the reasons for the discontinuance2 7,e7 alterations in products and services identified in the strategy under this section that will be made to address changing market conditions1 and an explanation of how the alterations will ensure the success of the products and services2 and 7,f7 the performance of the strategy under this section according to the metrics identified under subsection 7e77#b77;,g74 7h7 ,study and report by ,comptroller ,general 7#a7 ,study 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study on the implementation of the strategy under this section that assesses the effectiveness of the ,postal ,service in identifying1 developing1 and selling innovative postal and nonpostal products and services4 7,b7 ,contents ,the study under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include-- 7i7 an audit of the costs of developing each innovative postal and nonpostal product and service developed or offered by the ,postal ,service2 7ii7 the sales volume of each product and service2 7iii7 the revenues and profits generated by each product and service2 and 7iv7 the likelihood of continued success of each product and service4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit a report concerning the study under paragraph 7#a7 to-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #b of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bji4 ,innovation and accountability4 4 ,,iv ,maintaining levels of service #dja4 ,six-day delivery ,section #djd;a7a7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking or at the end2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking the period and inserting 2 or2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 reduce the frequency of the delivery of mail to fewer than #f days each week4 4 #djb4 ,service standards for market-dominant products ,section #cfia of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,restriction on authority ,notwithstanding subsections 7a71 7b71 and 7c71 the ,postal ,service may not increase the expected delivery time for market-dominant products required under part #aba of title #ci1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 as in effect on ,march #b1 #bjaj4 4 ,v ,elimination of annual limitation on increases in rates for market-dominant products #eja4 ,elimination of annual limitation 7a7 ,in general ,subparagraph 7,a7 of paragraph 7#a7 of section #cfbb7;d7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is repealed4 7b7 ,technical and conforming amendments ,such section #cfbb7;d71 as amended by subsection 7a71 is further amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 respectively2 and 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b7 7as so redesignated by subparagraph 7,a77-- 7i7 by inserting and at the end of clause 7i72 and 7ii7 by striking clauses 7iii7 and 7iv72 7,c7 by striking subparagraph 7,d7 and redesignating subparagraph 7,e7 as subparagraph 7,d72 and 7,d7 in subparagraph 7,d7 7as so redesignated by subparagraph 7,c771 by striking notwithstanding and all that follows through paragraph 7#b77;,c712 and 7#b7 by striking paragraph 7#b7 and redesignating paragraph 7#c7 as paragraph 7#b74