,,ib ,union ,calendar ,no4 #aga #aagth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #cjgf ,report ,no4 #aag-hi1 ,parts ,i and ,,ii ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,may #aa1 #bjba,mrs4 ,carolyn ,b4 ,maloney of ,new ,york 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,connolly1 ,ms4 ,foxx1 and ,mr4 ,comer7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,oversight and ,reform1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce1 and ,ways and ,means1 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 ,july #af1 #bjba,reported from the ,committee on ,oversight and ,reform with an amendment,strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic ,july #af1 #bjba,referral to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,ways and ,means extended for a period ending not later than ,september #cj1 #bjba ,september #cj1 #bjba,referral to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,ways and ,means extended for a period ending not later than ,november #h1 #bjba ,november #d1 #bjba,referral to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,ways and ,means extended for a period ending not later than ,november #ah1 #bjba ,november #ah1 #bjba,referral to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,ways and ,means extended for a period ending not later than ,december #c1 #bjba ,december #c1 #bjba,referral to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,ways and ,means extended for a period ending not later than ,january #ba1 #bjbb ,january #ba1 #bjbb,referral to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,ways and ,means extended for a period ending not later than ,march #ah1 #bjbb ,february #a1 #bjbb;,additional sponsors3 ,mr4 ,lynch1 ,mrs4 ,lawrence1 ,mr4 ,huffman1 ,mr4 ,thompson of ,california1 ,mr4 ,young1 ,ms4 ,tenney1 ,mrs4 ,napolitano1 ,ms4 ,malliotakis1 ,mr4 ,kahele1 ,ms4 ,stefanik1 ,mr4 ,larsen of ,washington1 ,mr4 ,garbarino1 ,mr4 ,soto1 ,mr4 ,la,turner1 ,mr4 ,case1 ,mr4 ,grothman1 ,mr4 ,harder of ,california1 ,ms4 ,mace1 ,mr4 ,suozzi1 ,mr4 ,bacon1 ,mr4 ,horsford1 ,mr4 ,valadao1 ,mr4 ,nadler1 ,mr4 ,mast1 ,mr4 ,espaillat1 ,mr4 ,reschenthaler1 ,mr4 ,kildee1 ,mr4 ,bost1 ,mr4 ,khanna1 ,mr4 ,smith of ,new ,jersey1 ,ms4 ,titus1 ,mr4 ,gibbs1 ,ms4 ,kaptur1 ,mr4 ,van ,drew1 ,ms4 ,manning1 ,mr4 ,rodney ,davis of ,illinois1 ,mr4 ,higgins of ,new ,york1 ,mr4 ,simpson1 ,mr4 ,cohen1 ,mr4 ,gonzalez of ,ohio1 ,mr4 ,crow1 ,mr4 ,katko1 ,mr4 ,foster1 ,ms4 ,strickland1 ,ms4 ,roybal-,allard1 ,ms4 ,de,lauro1 ,mr4 ,gallego1 ,mr4 ,cooper1 ,ms4 ,schakowsky1 ,ms4 ,ocasio-,cortez1 ,ms4 ,meng1 ,mr4 ,fitzpatrick1 ,ms4 ,craig1 ,mrs4 ,hayes1 ,ms4 ,waters1 ,mrs4 ,dingell1 ,mr4 ,gottheimer1 ,mr4 ,owens1 ,mr4 ,burgess1 ,mr4 ,neguse1 ,mr4 ,joyce of ,ohio1 ,mr4 ,morelle1 ,ms4 ,sherrill1 ,mr4 ,mc,caul1 ,mr4 ,garca of ,illinois1 ,mr4 ,sires1 ,mr4 ,garcia of ,california1 ,mr4 ,jones1 ,ms4 ,granger1 ,ms4 ,newman1 ,mr4 ,armstrong1 ,ms4 ,bass1 ,mr4 ,kinzinger1 ,ms4 ,wild1 ,mr4 ,hudson1 ,ms4 ,porter1 ,mr4 ,sessions1 ,mr4 ,butterfield1 ,mr4 ,fortenberry1 ,mr4 ,norcross1 ,mr4 ,rogers of ,alabama1 ,mr4 ,krishnamoorthi1 ,mr4 ,rouzer1 ,mr4 ,ruppersberger1 ,mr4 ,cawthorn1 ,ms4 ,lofgren1 ,mr4 ,graves of ,missouri1 ,mr4 ,lowenthal1 ,mr4 ,upton1 ,mr4 ,lawson of ,florida1 ,mr4 ,bucshon1 ,mr4 ,schneider1 ,mr4 ,tony ,gonzales of ,texas1 ,mrs4 ,axne1 ,mrs4 ,kim of ,california1 ,mr4 ,murphy of ,north ,carolina1 ,mr4 ,courtney1 ,ms4 ,eshoo1 and ,mrs4 ,spartz ,february #a1 #bjbb;,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,ways and ,means discharged2 committed to the ,committee of the ,whole ,house on the ,state of the ,union and ordered to be printed,for text of introduced bill1 see copy of bill as introduced on ,may #aa1 #bjba ,a ,,bill ,to provide stability to and enhance the services of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,postal ,service ,reform ,act of #bjba4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,title ,i--,postal ,service ,financial ,reforms,sec4 #aja4 ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program4,sec4 #ajb4 ,,usps ,fairness ,act4,sec4 #ajc4 ,nonpostal services4,title ,,ii--,postal ,service ,operational ,reforms,sec4 #bja4 ,performance targets and transparency4,sec4 #bjb4 ,integrated delivery network4,sec4 #bjc4 ,review of ,postal ,service cost attribution guidelines4,sec4 #bjd4 ,rural newspaper sustainability4,sec4 #bje4 ,funding of ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4,sec4 #bjf4 ,flats operations study and reform4,sec4 #bjg4 ,reporting requirements4,sec4 #bjh4 ,postal ,service transportation selection policy revisions4,sec4 #bji4 ,,usps ,inspector ,general oversight of ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 ,i ,postal ,service ,financial ,reforms #aja4 ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program 7a7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #hi of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after section #hijc;b the following3 #hijc;c4 ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term covered ,medicare individual means an individual who is entitled to benefits under ,medicare part ,a1 but excluding an individual who is eligible to enroll under such part under section #ahah or #ahah;,a of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acie;i-#b1 #acie;i-#b;a72 7#b7 the term initial contract year means the contract year beginning in ,january of #bjbc2 7#c7 the term initial participating carrier means a carrier that enters into a contract with the ,office to participate in the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program during the initial contract year2 7#d7 the term ,medicare part ,a means part ,a of title ,,xviii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acie;c et seq472 7#e7 the term ,medicare part ,b means part ,b of title ,,xviii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acie;j et seq472 7#f7 the term ,office means the ,office of ,personnel ,management2 7#g7 the term ,postal ,service means the ,united ,states ,postal ,service2 7#h7 the term ,postal ,service annuitant means an annuitant enrolled in a health benefits plan under this chapter whose ,government contribution is paid pursuant to the requirements of section #hijf7;g77#b72 7#i7 the term ,postal ,service employee means an employee of the ,postal ,service enrolled in a health benefits plan under this chapter whose ,government contribution is paid by the ,postal ,service2 7#aj7 the term ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant means an individual who-- 7,a7 is a ,postal ,service annuitant2 and 7,b7 is a covered ,medicare individual2 7#aa7 the term ,program means the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program established under subsection 7c7 within the ,federal ,employees ,health ,benefit ,program2 7#ab7 the term ,program plan means a health benefits plan offered under the ,program2 and 7#ac7 the terms set forth in section #hija shall apply4 7b7 ,application ,the requirements under this section shall-- 7#a7 apply to the initial contract year and each contract year thereafter2 and 7#b7 supersede any other provision of this chapter inconsistent with such requirements1 as determined by the ,office of ,personnel ,management4 7c7 ,establishment of the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,office shall establish the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program under which the ,office contracts with carriers to offer health benefits plans as described under this section4 ,except as otherwise provided in this section1 any such contract shall be consistent with the requirements of this chapter for contracts under section #hijb with carriers to offer health benefits plans other than under this section4 ,the ,program shall-- 7,a7 to the greatest extent practicable1 include plans offered by-- 7i7 each carrier for which the total enrollment in the plans provided under this chapter includes1 in the contract year beginning in ,january #bjbb1 #a1ejj or more enrollees who are ,postal ,service employees or ,postal ,service annuitants2 and 7ii7 any other carrier determined appropriate by the ,office2 7,b7 be available for participation by ,postal ,service employees and ,postal ,service annuitants1 in accordance with subsection 7d72 7,c7 provide for enrollment in a plan as an individual1 for self plus one1 or for self and family2 and 7,d7 not be available for participation by an individual who is not a ,postal ,service employee or ,postal ,service annuitant 7except as a member of family of such an employee or annuitant or as provided under paragraph 7#e774 7#b7 ,separate ,postal ,service risk pool ,the ,office shall ensure that each ,program plan includes rates that reasonably and equitably reflect the cost of benefits provided to a risk pool consisting solely of ,postal ,service employees1 ,postal ,service annuitants1 and covered members of family of such employees and annuitants 7regardless of the health plan1 coverage1 or benefit program in which such an employee1 annuitant1 or member of family is enrolled71 taking into specific account the change in benefits cost for the ,program plan due to the ,medicare enrollment requirements under subsection 7e7 and any savings or subsidies resulting from subsection 7f74 7#c7 ,actuarially equivalent coverage ,the ,office shall ensure that each carrier participating in the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program provides coverage under the ,program plans offered by the carrier that is actuarially equivalent1 as determined by the ,office1 to the coverage that the carrier provides under the health benefits plans offered by the carrier under this chapter that are not ,program plans4 7#d7 ,applicability of federal employees health benefits program requirements ,except as otherwise set forth in this section1 all provisions of this chapter applicable to health benefits plans offered by carriers under section #hijc or #hijc;a shall apply to plans offered under the ,program4 7#e7 ,application of continuation coverage ,in accordance with rules established by the ,office1 section #hije;a shall apply to health benefits plans offered under this section in the same manner as such section applies to other health benefits plans offered under this chapter4 7d7 ,election of coverage 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 each ,postal ,service employee and ,postal ,service annuitant who elects to receive health benefits coverage under this chapter-- 7,a7 shall be subject to the requirements of this section2 and 7,b7 may not enroll in any other health benefits plan offered under any other section of this chapter4 7#b7 ,exceptions 7,a7 ,lack of geographic coverage ,an individual who is a ,postal ,service employee or ,postal ,service annuitant may enroll in a health benefits plan offered under any other section of this chapter if the individual resides in a geographic area for which there is not a ,program plan in which the individual may enroll4 7,b7 ,annuitants as of program inception 7i7 ,current medicare covered annuitants 7,i7 ,in general ,subject to subclause 7,,ii71 in the case of an individual who1 as of ,january #a1 #bjbc1 is a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant who has not enrolled in both ,medicare part ,a and ,medicare part ,b1 such individual may enroll in a health benefits plan offered under any other section of this chapter1 and may not enroll in a ,program plan4 7,,ii7 ,program plan enrollment following ,medicare parts ,a and ,b enrollment ,in the case of an individual described in subclause 7,i7 who subsequent to ,january #a1 #bjbc1 is enrolled in both ,medicare part ,a and ,medicare part ,b1 beginning with the first contract year beginning after the date such individual is enrolled in both ,medicare part ,a and ,medicare part ,b1 subclause 7,i7 shall no longer apply to such individual and such individual may receive health benefits under this chapter only through a ,program plan4 7ii7 ,pre-medicare annuitants 7,i7 ,in general ,subject to subclause 7,,ii71 an individual who1 as of ,january #a1 #bjbc1 is a ,postal ,service annuitant and is not a ,postal ,service ,medicare annuitant 7for a reason other than eligibility to enroll in ,medicare part ,a under section #ahah or #ahah;,a of the ,social ,security ,act7 may enroll in either a ,program plan or in a health benefits plan offered under any other section of this chapter4 7,,ii7 ,exception ,in the case of an individual described in subclause 7,i7 who enrolls in a ,program plan for any contract year beginning on or after the date on which the individual becomes a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant1 beginning with such contract year1 subclause 7,i7 shall no longer apply to the individual and the individual may receive health benefits under this chapter only through enrollment in a ,program plan4 7,c7 ,certain employees as of program inception 7i7 ,legacy coverage ,a ,postal ,service employee who is enrolled in a health benefits plan under this chapter for the contract year immediately preceding the initial contract year that is not a health benefits plan offered by an initial participating carrier may enroll in either a ,program plan or in a health benefits plan offered under any other section of this chapter1 except that-- 7,i7 if the ,postal ,service employee changes enrollment to a different health benefits plan under this chapter during the open season for the initial contract year1 or after the start of the initial contract year1 the ,postal ,service employee may only enroll in a ,program plan2 7,,ii7 if the health benefits plan in which such employee is enrolled for such contract year becomes available as a ,program plan1 the ,postal ,service employee may only enroll in a ,program plan2 and 7,,iii7 upon becoming a ,postal ,service annuitant1 if the ,postal ,service employee elects to continue coverage under this chapter1 the ,postal ,service employee shall enroll in a ,program plan during the open season that is-- 7aa7 being held when the ,postal ,service employee becomes a ,postal ,service annuitant2 or 7bb7 if the date on which the ,postal ,service employee becomes a ,postal ,service annuitant falls outside of an open season1 the first open season following that date4 7ii7 ,current employees aged #fd and over 7,i7 ,in general ,subject to subclause 7,,ii71 an individual who1 as of ,january #a1 #bjbc1 is a ,postal ,service employee and is at least #fd years of age may enroll in either a ,program plan or in a health benefits plan offered under any other section of this chapter4 7,,ii7 ,exception ,in the case of an individual described in subclause 7,i7 who enrolls in a ,program plan for any contract year beginning on or after the date on which the individual becomes a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant1 beginning with such contract year1 subclause 7,i7 shall no longer apply to the individual and the individual may receive health benefits under this chapter only through enrollment in a ,program plan4 7,d7 ,certain other annuitants 7i7 ,annuitants and family members excluded from premium-free ,medicare part ,a 7,i7 ,in general ,subject to subclause 7,,ii71 a ,postal ,service annuitant who is eligible to enroll in ,medicare ,part ,a under section #ahah or #ahah;,a of the ,social ,security ,act may enroll in either a ,program plan or in a health benefits plan offered under any other section of this chapter if the annuitant-- 7aa7 is eligible to enroll in ,medicare part ,a under section #ahah or #ahah;,a of the ,social ,security ,act2 or 7bb7 includes in the annuitant's plan enrollment one or more family members who are eligible to enroll in ,medicare part ,a under section #ahah or #ahah;,a of such ,act4 7,,ii7 ,exception ,in the case of an annuitant described in subclause 7,i7 who enrolls in a ,program plan for any contract year beginning on or after the date on which the annuitant or any member of family covered by the enrollment becomes eligible to enroll in ,medicare part ,a1 beginning with such contract year1 subclause 7,i7 shall no longer apply to the annuitant and the annuitant may receive health benefits under this chapter only through enrollment in a ,program plan4 7ii7 ,limited or redundant coverage ,an individual who is a ,postal ,service annuitant may enroll either in a ,program plan 7subject to subsection 7e7 of this section and to sections #bbf7;j7 and #ahcg7o77#b7 of the ,social ,security ,act7 or in a health benefits plan offered under any other section of this chapter for any contract year in which the annuitant or member of family covered by the enrollment1 respectively1 is a covered ,medicare individual and-- 7,i7 the annuitant or family member1 respectively1 resides in an area where the ,office has determined that no ,medicare providers are available2 7,,ii7 the annuitant receives comprehensive medical coverage provided by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs under subchapter ,,ii of chapter #ag of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 or 7,,iii7 the annuitant receives comprehensive medical coverage provided by the ,indian ,health ,service under the ,indian ,health ,care ,improvement ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #afja et seq474 7iii7 ,regulations ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,office shall1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 and the ,postmaster ,general1 promulgate any regulations necessary to implement this subparagraph4 7e7 ,requirement of medicare enrollment for certain annuitants and their family members 7#a7 ,annuitants ,except as provided under subsection 7d77#b71 a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant may not enroll under a ,program plan unless the annuitant is enrolled in both ,medicare part ,a and ,medicare part ,b4 7#b7 ,medicare covered family members ,in the case of a ,postal ,service annuitant who is required under this subsection to enroll in ,medicare part ,a and ,medicare part ,b to enroll under the ,program1 if a member of family of such ,postal ,service annuitant is a covered ,medicare individual or is eligible to enroll in ,medicare ,part ,a under section #ahah or #ahah;,a of the ,social ,security ,act1 that member of family may not enroll under the ,program as a member of family of the ,postal ,service annuitant unless that member of family is enrolled in both ,medicare part ,a and ,medicare part ,b4 7#c7 ,process for coordinated election of ,medicare enrollment ,the ,office shall establish a process under which-- 7,a7 ,postal ,service annuitants and members of family who are subject to the requirements of paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7-- 7i7 are informed1 prior to enrollment under this section1 of such requirement2 and 7ii7 receive requests for any additional information necessary for enrollment in writing2 and 7,b7 the ,office provides the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services and the ,commissioner of ,social ,security in a timely manner with such information with respect to such annuitants and members of family and such election as may be required to effect their enrollment and coverage under ,medicare part ,a and ,medicare part ,b and this section in a timely manner1 including to effect deemed enrollments1 if applicable under sections #bbf7;j7 and #ahcg7o7 of the ,social ,security ,act1 for such continuous period as such annuitant or member of family involved otherwise maintains eligibility for enrollment under ,medicare part ,a and ,medicare part ,b1 to have elected to be enrolled under such part 7in accordance with such sections7 in connection with the enrollment in a ,program plan under this section4 7f7 ,medicare coordination 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,office shall require each ,program plan to provide benefits for covered ,medicare individuals 7and individuals eligible to enroll in ,medicare part ,a pursuant to section #ahah or #ahah;,a of the ,social ,security ,act7 pursuant to the same coordination of benefits method used in connection with plans offered under any other section of this chapter4 7#b7 ,medicare part d prescription drug benefits ,the ,office shall require each ,program plan to provide prescription drug benefits to any ,postal ,service annuitant and member of family of such annuitant who is a part ,d eligible individual 7as defined in section #ahfj;,d-#a7;a77#c77;,a7 of the ,social ,security ,act7 through employment-based retiree health coverage 7as defined in section #ahfj;,d-#bb7;c77#a7 of such ,act7 through a prescription drug plan 7as defined in section #ahfj;,d-#da7;a77#ad7 of such ,act74 7g7 ,postal service contribution 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to subsection 7i71 for purposes of applying section #hijf7;b7 to the ,postal ,service1 the weighted average shall be calculated in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c74 7#b7 ,weighted average calculation ,not later than ,october #a of each year 7beginning with #bjbb71 the ,office shall determine the weighted average of the rates established pursuant to subsection 7c77#b7 for ,program plans that will be in effect during the following contract year with respect to-- 7,a7 enrollments for self only2 7,b7 enrollments for self plus one2 and 7,c7 enrollments for self and family4 7#c7 ,weighting in computing rates for initial contract year ,in determining such weighted average of the rates for the initial contract year1 the ,office shall take into account 7for purposes of section #hijf7;a77#b77 the enrollment of ,postal ,service employees and annuitants in the health benefits plans offered by the initial participating carriers as of ,march #ca1 #bjbb4 7h7 ,reserves 7#a7 ,separate reserves 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,office shall ensure that each ,program plan maintains separate reserves 7including a separate contingency reserve7 with respect to the enrollees in the ,program plan in accordance with section #hiji4 ,all provisions of section #hiji relating to contingency reserves shall apply to contingency reserves of ,program plans in the same manner as to those of other plans under this chapter1 except to the extent that such provisions are inconsistent with the requirements of this subsection4 7,b7 ,references ,for purposes of the ,program1 each reference to the ,government in section #hiji shall be deemed to be a reference to the ,postal ,service4 7,c7 ,amounts to be credited ,the reserves 7including the separate contingency reserve7 maintained by each ,program plan shall be credited with a proportionate amount of the funds in the reserves for health benefits plans offered by the carrier4 7#b7 ,discontinuation of program plan ,in applying section #hiji7;e7 relating to a ,program plan that is discontinued1 the ,office shall credit the separate ,postal ,service contingency reserve maintained under paragraph 7#a7 for that plan only to the separate ,postal ,service contingency reserves of the ,program plans continuing under this chapter4 7i7 ,no effect on existing law ,nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting section #ajje7;f7 of title #ci regarding variations1 additions1 or substitutions to the provisions of this chapter4 7j7 ,health benefits education program 7#a7 ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,postal ,service shall establish a ,health ,benefits ,education ,program4 ,under the ,program1 the ,postal ,service shall-- 7,a7 notify annuitants and employees of the ,postal ,service about the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program established under subsection 7c77#a72 7,b7 provide information regarding the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program to such annuitants and employees1 including a description of the health care options available under such ,program1 the enrollment provisions of subsection 7d71 and the requirement that annuitants and their family members be enrolled in ,medicare under subsection 7e72 and 7,c7 in coordination with the ,centers for ,medicare ,medicaid ,services and the ,commissioner of ,social ,security1 respond and provide answers to any inquiry from such employees and annuitants about the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program or ,medicare enrollment4 7#b7 ,the ,office shall timely provide the ,postal ,service with such information as the ,postal ,service determines to be necessary to conduct the ,medicare ,education ,program4 4 7#b7 ,technical and conforming amendments 7,a7 ,section #hijc7a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking two levels of benefits and inserting #b levels of benefits for enrollees under this chapter generally and #b levels of benefits for enrollees under the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program established under section #hijc;c4 7,b7 ,the table of sections for chapter #hi of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #hijc;b the following3 #hijc;c4 ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program4 4 7b7 ,coordination with ,medicare 7#a7 ,medicare part ,a ,section #bbf of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dbf7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7j7 7#a7 ,in the case of an individual who-- 7,a7 on or after ,january #a1 #bjbc1 is-- 7i7 a ,postal ,service employee2 7ii7 a ,postal ,service annuitant who is not a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant2 or 7iii7 a member of family of a ,postal ,service employee or of a ,postal ,service annuitant and who is not described in section #ahcg7o77#a7 of this ,act2 and 7,b7 enrolls in a ,program plan under section #hijc;c of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 such individual is deemed to be enrolled under this part1 regardless of whether such individual has filed an application under subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,c7 of subsection 7a77#b74 7#b7 ,entitlement to hospital benefits under part ,a by reason of paragraph 7#a7 begins as of-- 7,a7 in the case of an individual who is a ,postal ,service employee or a ,postal ,service annuitant who is eligible to become a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant1 the date on which the individual becomes a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant or the date of enrollment in a ,program plan1 whichever is later2 7,b7 in the case of an individual who is eligible to enroll under section #ahah or #ahah;,a1 the date on which the individual attains such eligibility or the date of enrollment in a ,program plan whichever is later2 and 7,c7 in the case of an individual who is described in paragraph 7#a77;,a77iii7 and is eligible to become a covered ,medicare individual1 as of the first date the individual becomes a covered ,medicare individual or the date of enrollment in a ,program plan1 whichever is later4 7#c7 ,the definitions in section #hijc;c7a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall apply for purposes of this subsection4 7#d7 ,nothing in this subsection shall be construed to deprive any individual of any other method or period of enrollment to which such individual is entitled under this section4 4 7#b7 ,medicare part ,b 7,a7 ,enrollment ,section #ahcg of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aciep7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7o7 7#a7 ,in the case of an individual who-- 7,a7 as of ,january #a1 #bjbc1 is-- 7i7 a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant2 or 7ii7 a member of family of a ,postal ,service employee or of a ,postal ,service annuitant and is a covered ,medicare individual2 7,b7 intends to enroll in a ,program plan under section #hijc;c of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 for the initial contract year2 and 7,c7 is not enrolled under this part1 the individual may elect to be enrolled under this part during a special enrollment period during the #c-month period beginning on ,january #a1 #bjbc4 7#b7 ,in the case of an individual who-- 7,a7 on or after ,january #a1 #bjbc1 is-- 7i7 a ,postal ,service employee2 7ii7 a ,postal ,service annuitant who is not a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant2 or 7iii7 a member of family of a ,postal ,service employee or of a ,postal ,service annuitant and who is not described in paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 enrolls in a ,program plan under section #hijc;c of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 the individual shall be deemed to have enrolled in the medical insurance program established by this part4 7#c7 ,the definitions in section #hijc;c7a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall apply for purposes of this subsection4 7#d7 ,nothing in this subsection shall be construed to deprive any individual of any other method or period of enrollment to which such individual is entitled under this section4 4 7,b7 ,coverage periods ,section #ahch of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acieq7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7i7 ,notwithstanding subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 in the case of an individual who enrolls under this part pursuant to a special enrollment period under paragraph 7#a7 of section #ahcg7o71 the coverage period under this part shall begin on the date that the individual first has coverage under the ,program plan pursuant to the enrollment described in paragraph 7#a77;,b7 of such section2 and 7#b7 in the case of an individual who is deemed enrolled under paragraph 7#b7 of section #ahcg7o71 the coverage period under this part shall begin as of-- 7,a7 in the case of such an individual who is a ,postal ,service employee or a ,postal ,service annuitant who is eligible to become a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant1 the date on which the individual becomes a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant or the date of enrollment in a ,program plan1 whichever is later2 7,b7 in the case of such an individual who is eligible to enroll under section #ahah or #ahah;,a of this ,social ,security ,act1 the date on which the individual attains such eligibility or the date of enrollment in a ,program plan1 whichever is later2 and 7,c7 in the case of an individual described in paragraph 7#b77;,a77i77,,iii7 of such section who is eligible to become a covered ,medicare individual1 as of the first date the individual becomes a covered ,medicare individual or the date of enrollment in a ,program plan1 whichever is later4 4 7#c7 ,part ,d ,,egwp contracting conforming amendment ,section #ahfj;,d-#bb7;b7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aciew-#acb7;b77 is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following3 1 and shall be applied in a manner to facilitate the offering of prescription drug benefits under a ,program plan under section #hijc;c of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 through employment-based retiree health coverage through a prescription drug plan1 as required under subsection 7f7 of such section1 through contracts between such a ,program plan and such a prescription drug plan4 7#d7 ,waiver of increase of ,medicare part ,b premium ,section #ahci7;b7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acier7b77 is amended by inserting after subsection 7i77#d7 or 7l7 of section #ahcg the following3 or pursuant to the special enrollment period under subsection 7o77#a7 of such section4 #ajb4 ,,usps ,fairness ,act 7a7 ,short title ,this section may be cited as the ,,usps ,fairness ,act4 7b7 ,rational benefits funding and accounting 7#a7 ,in general ,section #hiji;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking subsection 7d7 and inserting the following3 7d7 7#a7 ,not later than ,june #cj1 #bjbd1 and by ,june #cj of each succeeding year1 the ,office shall compute1 for the most recently concluded fiscal year1 the difference between-- 7,a7 any ,government contributions required to be paid from the ,fund under section #hijf7;g77#b77;,a72 and 7,b7 the net claims costs under the enrollment of the individuals described in section #hijf7;g77#b77;,a74 7#b7 ,not later than ,september #cj of each year in which the ,office makes a computation under paragraph 7#a71 the ,united ,states ,postal ,service shall pay into the ,fund the difference computed in such paragraph4 7e7 ,any computation of the liability of the ,fund required by law shall be based on-- 7#a7 the net present value of the future net claims costs with respect to-- 7,a7 current annuitants of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service as of the end of the fiscal year ending on ,september #cj of the relevant reporting year2 and 7,b7 current employees of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service who would1 as of ,september #cj of that year1-- 7i7 be eligible to become annuitants pursuant to section #hija7c77;,a72 and 7ii7 if they were retired as of that date1 meet the criteria for coverage of annuitants under section #hije7;b72 7#b7 economic and actuarial methods and assumptions consistent with the methods and assumptions used in determining the ,postal surplus or supplemental liability under section #hcdh7;h72 and 7#c7 any other methods and assumptions1 including a health care cost trend rate1 that the ,director of the ,office determines to be appropriate4 7f7 ,after consultation with the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 the ,office shall promulgate any regulations the ,office determines necessary under this subsection4 7g7 ,for purposes of this section1 the term net claims costs shall mean the difference between-- 7#a7 the sum of-- 7,a7 the costs incurred by a carrier in providing health services to1 paying for health services provided to1 or reimbursing expenses for health services provided to1 annuitants of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and any other persons covered under the enrollment of such annuitants2 and 7,b7 an amount of indirect expenses reasonably allocable to the provision1 payment1 or reimbursement described in subparagraph 7,a71 as determined by the ,office2 and 7#b7 the amount withheld from the annuity of or paid by annuitants of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service under section #hijf4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the heading of section #hiji;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking ,benefit and inserting ,benefits4 7c7 ,application 7#a7 ,cancellation of payments ,any payment required from the ,postal ,service under section #hiji;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act that remains unpaid as of such date of enactment is canceled4 7#b7 ,effect of this ,act ,in any determination relating to the future liability for retiree health benefits of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service or the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund1 the ,office of ,personnel ,management shall take into account the actual and reasonably expected effects of this ,act4 7d7 ,use of funds from sale of real property for certain payments 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #bi of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bijc4 ,use of funds from sale of property ,in the event that the ,postal ,service permanently ceases operations1 any funds derived from the sale of any real property owned by the ,postal ,service shall be used to pay any outstanding liability with respect to the salaries and expenses of any ,postal ,service employee4 ,the balance of any remaining funds shall be deposited into the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund established under section #hiji;a of title #e4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections of such chapter is amended by adding after the item relating to section #bijb the following new item3 #bijc4 ,use of funds from sale of property4 4 #ajc4 ,nonpostal services 7a7 ,nonpostal services 7#a7 ,in general ,part ,,iv of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding after chapter #cf the following3 #cg ,nonpostal ,services ,sec4 #cgja4 ,purpose4 #cgjb4 ,definitions4 #cgjc4 ,postal ,service program for ,state governments4 #cgjd4 ,postal ,service program for other ,government agencies4 #cgje4 ,transparency and accountability for nonpostal services4 #cgja4 ,purpose ,the purpose of this chapter is to enable the ,postal ,service to increase its net revenues through specific nonpostal products and services that are expressly authorized by this chapter4 ,postal ,service revenues and expenses under this chapter shall be funded through the ,postal ,service ,fund4 #cgjb4 ,definitions ,in this chapter-- 7#a7 the term nonpostal services is limited to services offered by the ,postal ,service that are expressly authorized by this chapter and are not postal products or services2 7#b7 the term attributable costs has the meaning given such term in section #cfca2 and 7#c7 the term year means a fiscal year4 #cgjc4 ,postal ,service program for ,state governments 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of this title1 the ,postal ,service may establish a program to enter into agreements with an agency of any ,state government1 local government1 or tribal government to provide property and services on behalf of such agencies for non-commercial products and services1 but only if such property and services-- 7#a7 provide enhanced value to the public1 such as by lowering the cost or raising the quality of such services or by making such services more accessible2 7#b7 do not interfere with or detract from the value of postal services1 including-- 7,a7 the cost and efficiency of postal services2 and 7,b7 unreasonably restricting access to postal retail service1 such as customer waiting time and access to parking2 and 7#c7 provide a reasonable contribution to the institutional costs of the ,postal ,service1 defined as reimbursement that covers at least #ajj percent of attributable costs of all property and services provided under each relevant agreement in each year4 7b7 ,public notice ,at least #ij days before offering a service under the program1 the ,postal ,service shall make available to the public on its website-- 7#a7 the agreement with the agency regarding such service2 and 7#b7 a business plan that describes the specific service to be provided1 the enhanced value to the public1 terms of reimbursement1 the estimated annual reimbursement to the ,postal ,service1 and the estimated percentage of attributable ,postal ,service costs that will be covered by reimbursement 7with documentation to support the estimates74 7c7 ,public comment ,before offering a service under the program1 the ,postal ,service shall provide for a public comment period of at least #cj days that allows the public to post comments relating to the provision of such services on the ,postal ,service website4 ,the ,postal ,service shall make reasonable efforts to provide written responses to the comments on such website at least #cj days before offering such services4 7d7 ,approval required ,the ,postal ,service may not establish the program under subsection 7a7 unless the ,governors of the ,postal ,service approve such program by a recorded vote that is publicly disclosed on the ,postal ,service website with a majority of the total ,governors voting for approval4 7e7 ,application of reporting requirements ,for purposes of the reporting requirements under section #cgje1 the ,postal ,service shall submit a separate report for each agreement with an agency entered into under subsection 7a7 analyzing the costs1 revenues1 rates1 and quality of service for the provision of all services under such agreement1 including information demonstrating that the agreement satisfies the requirements of paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c7 of subsection 7a74 7f7 ,regulations required ,the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall issue such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section4 7g7 ,definitions ,for the purpose of this section-- 7#a7 the term local government means a county1 municipality1 city1 town1 township1 local public authority1 school district1 special district1 intrastate district1 council of governments1 or regional or interstate government entity2 7#b7 the term ,state government includes the government of the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and any other territory or possession of the ,united ,states2 7#c7 the term tribal government means the government of an ,indian tribe1 as that term is defined in section #d7;e7 of the ,indian ,self-,determination ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b7e772 and 7#d7 the term ,united ,states1 when used in a geographical sense1 means the ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and any other territory or possession of the ,united ,states4 7h7 ,confidential information ,subsection 7b7 or 7c7 shall not be construed as requiring the ,postal ,service to disclose to the public any information-- 7#a7 described in section #daj7;c72 or 7#b7 exempt from public disclosure under section #eeb7;b7 of title #e4 #cgjd4 ,postal ,service program for other ,government agencies 7a7 ,in general ,the ,postal ,service may establish a program to provide property and services to other ,government agencies within the meaning of section #daa1 but only if such program provides a reasonable contribution to the institutional costs of the ,postal ,service1 defined as reimbursement by each agency that covers at least #ajj percent of the attributable costs of all property and service provided by the ,postal ,service in each year to such agency4 7b7 ,application of reporting requirements ,for purposes of the reporting requirements under section #cgje1 the ,postal ,service shall submit a separate report for each agreement with an agency entered into under subsection 7a7 analyzing the costs1 revenues1 rates1 and quality of service for the provision of all services under such agreement1 including information demonstrating that the agreement satisfies the requirements of subsection 7a74 #cgje4 ,transparency and accountability for nonpostal services 7a7 ,annual report to the ,commission 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the last day of each year1 the ,postal ,service shall submit to the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission a report that analyzes costs1 revenues1 rates1 and quality of service for each agreement for the provision of property and services under this chapter1 using such methodologies as the ,commission may prescribe1 and in sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this chapter4 7#b7 ,supporting matter ,a report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include any nonpublic annex1 the working papers1 and any other supporting matter of the ,postal ,service and the ,inspector ,general related to the information submitted in such report4 7b7 ,content and form of report 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall1 by regulation1 prescribe the content and form of the report required under subsection 7a74 ,in prescribing such regulations1 the ,commission shall give due consideration to-- 7,a7 providing the public with timely1 adequate information to assess compliance2 7,b7 avoiding unnecessary or unwarranted administrative effort and expense on the part of the ,postal ,service2 and 7,c7 protecting the confidentiality of information that is commercially sensitive or is exempt from public disclosure under section #eeb7;b7 of title #e4 7#b7 ,revised requirements ,the ,commission may1 on its own motion or on request of any interested party1 initiate proceedings to improve the quality1 accuracy1 or completeness of ,postal ,service data required by the ,commission if-- 7,a7 the attribution of costs or revenues to property or services under this chapter has become significantly inaccurate or can be significantly improved2 7,b7 the quality of service data provided to the ,commission for a report under this chapter has become significantly inaccurate or can be significantly improved2 or 7,c7 such revisions are1 in the judgment of the ,commission1 otherwise necessitated by the public interest4 7c7 ,audits ,the ,inspector ,general shall regularly audit the data collection systems and procedures used in collecting information and preparing the report required under subsection 7a74 ,the results of any such audit shall be submitted to the ,postal ,service and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 7d7 ,confidential information 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,postal ,service determines that any document or portion of a document1 or other matter1 which it provides to the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission in a nonpublic annex under this section contains information described in section #daj7;c71 or exempt from public disclosure under section #eeb7;b7 of title #e1 the ,postal ,service shall1 at the time of providing such matter to the ,commission1 notify the ,commission of its determination1 in writing1 and describe with particularity the documents 7or portions of documents7 or other matter for which confidentiality is sought and the reasons therefor4 7#b7 ,treatment ,any information or other matter described in paragraph 7#a7 to which the ,commission gains access under this section shall be subject to paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 of section #ejd7;g7 in the same way as if the ,commission had received notification with respect to such matter under section #ejd7;g77#a74 7e7 ,annual compliance determination 7#a7 ,opportunity for public comment ,upon receiving a report required under subsection 7a71 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall promptly-- 7,a7 provide an opportunity for comment on such report by any interested party2 and 7,b7 appoint an officer of the ,commission to represent the interests of the general public4 7#b7 ,determination of compliance or noncompliance ,not later than #ij days after receiving a report required under subsection 7a71 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall make a written determination as to whether the nonpostal activities carried out during the applicable year were or were not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter4 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 any case in which the requirements for coverage of attributable costs have not been met shall be considered to be a case of noncompliance4 ,if1 with respect to a year1 no instance of noncompliance is found to have occurred1 the determination shall be to that effect4 ,such determination of noncompliance shall be included with the annual compliance determination required under section #cfec4 7#c7 ,noncompliance ,if a timely written determination of noncompliance is made under paragraph 7#b71 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall take appropriate action4 ,if the requirements for coverage of attributable costs specified by this chapter are not met1 the ,commission shall1 within #fj days after the determination1 prescribe remedial action to restore compliance as soon as practicable1 including the full restoration of revenue shortfalls during the following year4 ,the ,commission may order the ,postal ,service to discontinue a nonpostal service under section #cgjc that persistently fails to meet cost coverage requirements4 7#d7 ,deliberate noncompliance ,in the case of deliberate noncompliance by the ,postal ,service with the requirements of this chapter1 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission may order1 based on the nature1 circumstances1 extent1 and seriousness of the noncompliance1 a fine 7in the amount specified by the ,commission in its order7 for each incidence of such noncompliance4 ,all receipts from fines imposed under this subsection shall be deposited in the general fund of the ,treasury4 7f7 ,regulations required ,the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall issue such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of chapters for part ,,iv of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding after the item relating to chapter #cf the following3 #cg4,nonpostal services#cgja 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,section #djd ,section #djd7;e7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by inserting after subsection the following3 1 or any nonpostal products or services authorized by chapter #cg2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#f7 ,licensing which1 before the date of enactment of this paragraph1 has been authorized by the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission for continuation as a nonpostal service may not be used for any purpose other than-- 7,a7 to continue to provide licensed mailing1 shipping1 or stationery supplies offered as of ,june #bc1 #bjaa2 or 7,b7 to license other goods1 products1 or services1 the primary purpose of which is to promote and enhance the image or brand of the ,postal ,service4 7#g7 ,nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the ,postal ,service from establishing nonpostal products and services that are expressly authorized by chapter #cg4 4 7#b7 ,section #daa ,the last sentence of section #daa of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking including reimbursability and inserting including reimbursability within the limitations of chapter #cg4 7#c7 ,treatment of existing nonpostal services ,all individual nonpostal services1 provided directly or through licensing1 that are continued pursuant to section #djd7;e7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall be considered to be expressly authorized by chapter #cg of such title 7as added by subsection 7a77#a77 and shall be subject to the requirements of such chapter4 7#d7 ,repeal of certain limitations on experimental products ,section #cfda of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking subsections 7b71 7d71 and 7e72 and 7,b7 by redesignating-- 7i7 subsection 7c7 as subsection 7b72 and 7ii7 subsections 7f71 7g71 7h71 and 7i7 as subsections 7c71 7d71 7e71 and 7f71 respectively4 ,,ii ,postal ,service ,operational ,reforms #bja4 ,performance targets and transparency 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,vii of chapter #cf of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after section #cfia the following3 #cfib4 ,performance targets and transparency 7a7 ,performance targets ,each year1 to ensure that mail service for postal customers meets the service standards for market-dominant products1 established under section #cfia1 the ,postal ,service shall-- 7#a7 at least #fj days before the beginning of the fiscal year in which they will apply1 establish and provide to the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission reasonable targets for performance2 and 7#b7 provide the previous fiscal years' performance targets in its ,annual ,compliance ,report to the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission for evaluation of compliance4 7b7 ,public performance dashboard 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,postal ,service shall develop and maintain a publicly available ,website with an interactive web-tool that provides performance information for market-dominant products that is updated on a weekly basis4 7#b7 ,performance information ,the performance information provided on the ,website shall include-- 7,a7 the type of market-dominant product2 7,b7 geographic area at the nationwide1 ,area1 and ,district level2 7,c7 time periods showing performance information in annual1 quarterly1 monthly1 and weekly segments2 7,d7 comparisons of performance information for market-dominant products for previous time periods to facilitate identification of performance trends2 and 7,e7 the current performance targets and previous fiscal year performance targets1 established under subsection 7a77#a74 7#c7 ,comprehensibility ,the ,website shall include plain language descriptions of the elements required under paragraph 7#b7 and information on the collection process1 measurement methodology1 completeness1 accuracy1 and validity of the performance information provided on the ,website4 7#d7 ,address search functionality ,the ,website shall include functionality to enable a user to search for performance information by street address1 ,,zip ,code1 or post office box4 7#e7 ,format ,the performance information provided on the ,website shall be made available-- 7,a7 in a manner that-- 7i7 presents the information referenced under paragraph 7#b7 on an interactive dashboard2 7ii7 is searchable and may be sorted and filtered by the elements described in paragraph 7#b72 and 7iii7 to the extent practicable1 enables any person or entity to download in bulk-- 7,i7 such performance information2 and 7,,ii7 the results of a search by the elements described in paragraph 7#b72 7,b7 in an open format that permits any individual or entity to reuse and analyze the performance information2 and 7,c7 in a structured data format1 to the extent practicable4 7#f7 ,consultation ,the ,postal ,service shall regularly consult with the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission on appropriate features and information to be included on the ,website4 7#g7 ,public input ,the ,postal ,service shall-- 7,a7 solicit public input on the design and implementation of the ,website2 and 7,b7 maintain a public feedback tool1 to ensure features of1 and information on1 the ,website is usable and understandable4 7#h7 ,deadline ,the ,website shall be implemented and made available to the public not later than the date on which the performance targets are provided to the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission under subsection 7a77#a74 7#i7 ,availability ,a link and plain language description of the ,website shall be made available on the website where the performance targets and measurements established under subsection 7a77#a7 are made available4 7#aj7 ,reporting ,the dashboard referred to in paragraph 7#e77;,a77i7 shall be referenced in the ,annual ,performance ,plan under section #bhjc1 the ,annual ,performance ,report under section #bhjd1 and the ,annual ,report under section #bdjb4 7#aa7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 ,performance information ,the term performance information means the objective external performance measurements established under section #cfia7;b77#a77;,d74 7,b7 ,website ,the term ,website means the website described in paragraph 7#a74 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for such subchapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cfia the following3 #cfib4 ,performance targets and transparency4 4 #bjb4 ,integrated delivery network ,section #aja7;b7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting before ,the ,postal ,service the following3 ,the ,postal ,service shall maintain an integrated network for the delivery of market-dominant and competitive products 7as defined in chapter #cf of this title74 ,delivery shall occur at least six days a week1 except during weeks that include a ,federal holiday or in emergency situations1 such as natural disasters44 #bjc4 ,review of ,postal ,service cost attribution guidelines ,not later than the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall initiate a review of the regulations issued pursuant to sections #cfcc7;a7 and #cfeb7;a77#a7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 to determine whether revisions are appropriate to ensure that all direct and indirect costs attributable to competitive and market-dominant products are properly attributed to those products1 including by considering the underlying methodologies in determining cost attribution and considering options to revise such methodologies4 ,if the ,commission determines1 after notice and opportunity for public comment1 that revisions are appropriate1 the ,commission shall make modifications or adopt alternative methodologies as necessary4 #bjd4 ,rural newspaper sustainability ,section #cfbf7;h7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #aj percent and inserting #ej percent4 #bje4 ,funding of ,postal ,regulatory ,commission 7a7 ,in general ,subsection 7d7 of section #ejd of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 7d7 7#a7 ,not later than ,september #a of each fiscal year 7beginning with fiscal year #bjbb71 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall submit to the ,postal ,service a budget of the ,commission's expenses1 including expenses for facilities1 supplies1 compensation1 and employee benefits1 for the following fiscal year4 ,any such budget shall be deemed approved as submitted if the ,governors fail to adjust the budget in accordance with paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 7,a7 ,not later than #cj days after receiving a budget under paragraph 7#a71 the ,governors holding office1 by unanimous written decision1 may adjust the total amount of funding requested in such budget4 ,nothing in this subparagraph may be construed to authorize the ,governors to adjust any activity proposed to be funded by the budget4 7,b7 ,if the ,governors adjust the budget under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall adjust the suballocations within such budget to reflect the total adjustment made by the ,governors4 ,the budget shall be deemed approved on the date the ,commission makes any such adjustments4 ,the ,commission may make further adjustments to the suballocations within such budget as necessary4 7#c7 ,expenses incurred under any budget approved under this subsection shall be paid out of the ,postal ,service ,fund established under section #bjjc4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments ,title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #bjjc7;e71 by striking 7,b7 all expenses of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 subject to the availability of amounts appropriated under section #ejd7;d72 and inserting 7,b7 all expenses of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 pursuant to section #ejd7;d722 and 7#b7 in section #bjji-- 7,a7 by striking 1 7#b7 and inserting 1 and 7#b72 and 7,b7 by striking 1 and 7#c7 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission requests to be appropriated1 out of the ,postal ,service ,fund1 under section #ejd7;d7 of this title4 #bjf4 ,flats operations study and reform 7a7 ,flats operations study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 in consultation with the ,inspector ,general of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 shall conduct a study to-- 7,a7 comprehensively identify the causes of inefficiencies in the collection1 sorting1 transportation1 and delivery of ,flats2 and 7,b7 quantify the effects of the volume trends1 investments decisions1 excess capacity1 and operational inefficiencies of the ,postal ,service on the direct and indirect costs of the ,postal ,service that are attributable to ,flats4 7#b7 ,postal service assistance ,for the purposes of carrying out the study under paragraph 7#a71 the ,postal ,service shall1 upon request by the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 consult with the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission and provide-- 7,a7 access to ,postal ,service facilities to personnel of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission2 and 7,b7 information and records necessary to conduct such study4 7#c7 ,report ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall submit to ,congress and the ,postmaster ,general a report on the findings of the study conducted under paragraph 7#a74 7#d7 ,flats defined ,in this subsection1 the term ,flats means products that meet the physical standards described in the ,domestic ,mail ,manual 7as in effect on the date of the enactment of this ,act7 for ,flats mail for any class of mail4 7b7 ,flats operations reform 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than six months after the date on which the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission submits the report described in subsection 7a77#c71 the ,postal ,service shall-- 7,a7 develop and implement a plan to remedy each inefficiency identified in the study conducted under subsection 7a77#a7 to the extent practicable2 and 7,b7 if the ,postal ,service determines that remedying any such inefficiency is not practicable1 provide to ,congress and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission an explanation why remedying such inefficiency is not practicable1 including whether it may become practicable to remedy such inefficiency at a later time4 7#b7 ,implementation requirements ,prior to implementing the plan described in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission must approve the plan2 and 7,b7 the ,postal ,service shall provide an adequate opportunity for public comment on the plan4 7#c7 ,completion notice ,on the date on which the plan described in paragraph 7#a7 is fully implemented1 as determined by the ,postmaster ,general1 the ,postmaster ,general shall submit to ,congress and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission a written notice of such implementation4 7c7 ,subsequent rate adjustments ,during the five-year period beginning on the date on which the ,postmaster ,general submits the notice under subsection 7b77#c71 the ,postal ,service shall consider the findings of the report described in subsection 7a77#c7 and the efficacy of the plan described in subsection 7b77#a7 in remedying the inefficiencies identified in the study conducted under subsection 7a77#a7 when making any adjustment to the rate of a market-dominant product 7as defined in section #ajb of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code74 #bjg4 ,reporting requirements 7a7 ,in general ,not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every six months thereafter1 the ,postmaster ,general shall submit to the ,president1 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,oversight and ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the operations and financial condition of the ,postal ,service during the six-month period ending on the date on which the ,postmaster ,general submits such report4 7b7 ,contents ,each report submitted under this section shall include updates1 details of changes from previous standards and requirements1 and assessments of progress being made on the operations and financial condition of the ,postal ,service1 including-- 7#a7 the actual mail and package volume growth relative to any mail or package volume growth projections previously made or relied upon by the ,postal ,service1 including a discussion of the reasons for the differences in projections and the associated adjustments being made in order to accommodate any such differences2 7#b7 the effect of pricing changes on product volume for market-dominant and competitive products1 and associated revenue effects on financial projections1 including a discussion of the reasons behind the differences in projections and associated adjustments being made2 7#c7 customer use of network distribution centers and processing and distribution centers1 and associated costs and revenue effects2 7#d7 the status of1 and any substantial programmatic changes to1 the ,,usps ,connect program relative to previous plans by the ,postal ,service1 including online sales and customer expectations regarding shipping speeds and shopping preferences relative to projections1 as well as associated implementation costs and revenue effects on the financial projects2 7#e7 the use of ,priority ,mail1 ,priority ,mail ,express1 ,first-,class ,package ,service1 and ,parcel ,select services 7as such terms are defined in the ,domestic ,mail ,classification ,schedule as in effect on the date of the enactment of this ,act7 among businesses of various sizes1 and associated revenue effects2 7#f7 the use of ,,usps ,connect ,returns service among customers1 and associated implementation costs and revenue effects2 7#g7 the use of ,,usps ,e-,commerce ,marketplace among customers1 and associated implementation costs and revenue effects2 7#h7 updates on the reliability1 efficiency1 and cost-effectiveness of the transportation network1 including the manner in which ground transportation is utilized over air transportation for types of products2 7#i7 a review of efforts to enhance employee training1 safety1 and wellbeing1 including associated effects on employee recruitment1 satisfaction1 and retention2 7#aj7 a review of efforts being made to improve employee allocation1 including changes of non-career employees to career status1 and any associated impacts to operational expenses and processing1 transportation1 and delivery efficiency2 7#aa7 the rate of planned investment into ,postal ,service processing1 transportation1 and delivery equipment and infrastructure for market-dominant and competitive products1 and a review of any associated effects on operational expenses and efficiency2 7#ab7 changes to network distribution centers and the expansion of regional distribution centers1 including costs associated with the changes and any realized reduction in operational expenses or improved resource efficiencies2 7#ac7 a review of the ability of the ,postal ,service to meet performance targets established under section #cfib7;a77#a77;,a7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code2 7#ad7 a discussion of the progress of the ,postal ,service in achieving any new1 self-funded investments1 including the amounts realized and expended to date1 and a discussion of the reasons behind any disparities in the assumptions regarding the expected progress of the ,postal ,service getting new1 self-funded investments to accommodate changes2 and 7#ae7 any other information the ,postal ,service determines relevant1 such as barriers or unanticipated events1 in order to help the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 ,congress1 the ,president1 and the ,american public evaluate the success or difficulties faced by the ,postal ,service in implementing the reform plan4 7c7 ,confidential information 7#a7 ,in general ,the report required under this subsection shall be submitted in a form that excludes any proprietary or confidential information and trade secrets4 7#b7 ,notification ,if the ,postal ,service determines that any information must be excluded under paragraph 7#a71 the ,postal ,service shall1 at the time of submitting the report1 notify the ,president1 the ,committee on ,oversight and ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate1 and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission in writing of its determination and describe in detail the information for which confidentiality is sought and the reasons therefor4 7#c7 ,annexes ,the ,postal ,service shall submit to the persons and entities notified under paragraph 7#b7 any information excluded under paragraph 7#a7 in an annex that shall be treated as confidential in accordance with paragraph 7#d74 7#d7 ,treatment ,no person may1 with respect to any information which such person receives under paragraph 7#d7-- 7,a7 use such information for purposes other than the purposes for which it is supplied2 or 7,b7 permit any person or entity other than a person or entity notified under paragraph 7#b71 or the staff thereof1 to have access to any such information4 7d7 ,termination ,this subsection shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date on which the first report required by this section is submitted4 #bjh4 ,postal ,service transportation selection policy revisions ,section #aja7;f7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking prompt and economical and inserting prompt1 economical1 consistent1 and reliable2 7#b7 by inserting after all mail the following3 in a manner that increases operational efficiency and reduces complexity2 7#c7 by inserting cost-effective after to achieve2 and 7#d7 by inserting also after ,nation shall4 #bji4 ,,usps ,inspector ,general oversight of ,postal ,regulatory ,commission 7a7 ,in general ,section #h;,g of the ,inspector ,general ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#b71 by striking the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission12 and 7#b7 in subsection 7f77#b7-- 7,a7 by striking 7#b7 ,in carrying and inserting 7#b77;,a7 ,in carrying2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,b7 ,in carrying out the duties and responsibilities specified in this ,act1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service shall function as the ,inspector ,general for the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 and shall have equal responsibility over the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 ,the ,commission shall comply with the ,inspector ,general's oversight as if the ,commission were a designated ,federal entity under paragraph 7a77#b7 of this section4 4 7b7 ,savings provision 7#a7 ,legal documents ,any order1 determination1 rule1 regulation1 permit1 grant1 loan1 contract1 agreement1 certificate1 license1 or privilege that has been issued1 made1 granted1 or allowed to become effective that is in effect on the effective date of this section shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified1 terminated1 superseded1 set aside1 or revoked in accordance with law4 7#b7 ,proceedings ,this section and the amendments made by this section shall not affect any proceeding pending on the effective date of this section before an office transferred by either such subsection1 but such proceeding shall be continued4 ,nothing in this paragraph shall be considered to prohibit the discontinuance or modification of any such proceeding under the same terms and conditions and to the same extent that such proceeding could have been discontinued or modified if this section or such amendments had not been enacted4 7#c7 ,suits ,this section and the amendments made by this section shall not affect any suit commenced before the effective date of this section1 and in any such suit1 proceeding shall be had1 appeals taken1 and judgments rendered in the same manner and with the same effect as if this section or such amendments had not been enacted4 7#d7 ,references ,any reference in any other ,federal law1 ,executive order1 rule1 regulation1 or delegation of authority1 or any document relating to the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall be deemed to refer to the ,inspector ,general of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service4 7c7 ,technical and conforming amendment ,section #ejd of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking subsection 7h74 7d7 ,effective date ,this section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act4 ,february #a1 #bjbb;,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,ways and ,means discharged2 committed to the ,committee of the ,whole ,house on the ,state of the ,union and ordered to be printed