Posted December 9, 2003 | 1:50 p.m. ET Commission update
Bush administration recommends five principles for reform
It's been a year since President Bush issued an executive order establishing the President's Commission on the Postal Service. The commission's purpose was to "identify the operational, structural and financial challenges facing the Postal Service; examine potential solutions; and recommend legislative and administrative steps to ensure the long-term viability of postal service in the United States."
The nine-member bipartisan commission held public meetings, met with stakeholders and heard testimony from USPS officials, mail industry leaders, union representatives and postal experts. After eight months, the commission issued its final report July 31.
The president yesterday met with commission members, thanking them for their service and hard work. Postmaster General Jack Potter also was in attendance.
The president urged Congress to enact postal reform legislation based on five principles that were in the commission's final report:
Implement Best Practices: Ensure that the Postal Service's governing body is equipped to meet the responsibilities and objectives of an enterprise of its size and scope.
Transparency: Ensure that important factual information on the Postal Service's product costs and performance is accurately measured and made available to the public in a timely manner.
Flexibility: Ensure that the Postal Service's governing body and management have the authority to reduce costs, set rates, and adjust key aspects of its business in order to meet its obligations to customers in a dynamic marketplace.
Accountability: Ensure that a Postal Service operating with greater flexibility has appropriate independent oversight to protect consumer welfare and universal mail service.
Self-Financing: Ensure that a Postal Service operating with greater flexibility is financially self-sufficient, covering all of its obligations.
Posted December 9, 2003 | 1:50 p.m. ET
The nine-member bipartisan commission held public meetings, met with stakeholders and heard testimony from USPS officials, mail industry leaders, union representatives and postal experts. After eight months, the commission issued its final report July 31.