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About the Postal Regulatory Commission
About the Postal Regulatory Commission
The Commission is an independent agency that has exercised regulatory oversight over the U.S. Postal Service (Postal Service) since its creation by the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, with expanded responsibilities under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. The Commission is composed of five Commissioners, each of whom is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of 6 years. A Commissioner may continue to serve after the expiration of his or her term for up to 1 year or until a successor is confirmed. Not more than three Commissioners may be adherents of the same political party.
Assisting the Commission is a staff with expertise in law, economics, finance, statistics, and cost accounting. The Commission is organized into four operating offices:
- Office of Accountability & Compliance
- Office of the General Counsel
- Office of Public Affairs & Government Relations
- Office of Secretary & Administration
The Commission maintains an independent office for its Inspector General.
The Office of Accountability & Compliance is responsible for technical analysis and formulation of policy recommendations for the Commission in both domestic and international matters. It provides the analytic support for Commission review of rate changes, negotiated service agreements, classifications of new products, post office closings, amendments to international postal treaties and conventions, as well as other issues.
The Office of the General Counsel provides legal assistance on matters involving the Commission’s responsibilities and authorities, including defending Commission decisions before the courts, and advising the Commission on legislation, rulemaking and policies on procurement, personnel, ethics and other legal matters.
The Office of Public Affairs & Government Relations facilitates prompt and responsive communications for the Commission with the public, Congress and federal agencies, the Postal Service, and information media.
The Office of Secretary & Administration records the official actions of the Commission, preserves Commission documents, maintains personnel records, and provides other support services to the Commission.
The Office of the Inspector General conducts, supervises, and coordinates audits and investigations relating to the programs and operations of the Commission, and identifies and reports fraud and abuse in Commission programs and operations.