United States Postal Service Stop and Study Act

This bill requires the United States Postal Service to get approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission before making permanent changes to its facilities or network. It defines what counts as a network change, sets up a review process, and pauses any such changes until the Commission issues an opinion and the Postal Service responds.

Sec. 2, Definitions: The bill defines key terms. "Commission" means the Postal Regulatory Commission. "Network changes" are permanent changes to Postal Service facilities or network, such as consolidating processing facilities, aggregating operations, converting or building facilities to centralize operations, or reducing transportation trips between sorting facilities and delivery units. Temporary changes needed to maintain reliable service or relieve congestion are not included. "Postal Service" means the United States Postal Service.

Sec. 3, Advisory opinion on network changes: Before making any network changes, the Postal Service must submit a comprehensive proposal to the Commission. The Commission has 180 days to issue an opinion on the proposal, including whether reversing any network changes made after January 1, 2023, is advisable. The Postal Service must give the Commission any needed information and access to facilities. The Postal Service cannot implement proposed network changes until the Commission issues its opinion, and the Postal Service considers that opinion and submits a response to Congress and the Commission explaining its decisions. If the Commission finds the changes are likely to hurt service, the Postal Service cannot implement them.