Task Force on the United States Postal System

This executive order establishes a Task Force on the United States Postal Service, chaired by the Treasury Secretary, to evaluate USPS operations and finances and recommend reforms. The Task Force must submit a report within 120 days addressing USPS financial sustainability, competitive position in package delivery, and potential restructuring to avoid a taxpayer bailout.

Federal Register Open PDF 83 FR 17281

Impact dates

Aug 10, 2018
Task Force report to President summarizing findings and recommendations

Key directives

Establish Task Force on the United States Postal Service chaired by Treasury Secretary
Task Force to evaluate USPS operations and finances including package delivery market, mail volume decline, universal service obligation, rural role, and business model
Develop recommendations for administrative and legislative reforms consistent with EO 13781 executive branch reorganization
Submit report to President not later than 120 days after April 12, 2018
Federal Financing Bank to provide administrative support and funding

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Task Force established
Federal Financing Bank authorized to provide administrative support and funding

Near term (90d)

Task Force evaluation of USPS operations, finances, and competitive position
Consultations with Postmaster General, Postal Regulatory Commission, Attorney General, Secretary of Labor, and state/local/tribal officials

Long term

Report submission with recommendations for administrative and legislative reforms
Potential USPS restructuring based on Task Force findings
Dissolution of Task Force upon completion of objectives

Risks & tensions

Potential conflict between USPS universal service obligation to rural areas and commercial viability goals
Tension between USPS workforce interests and cost-cutting reforms
Legal uncertainty around modifying USPS monopoly and mailbox access
Coordination challenge with EO 13781 reorganization plan may delay or complicate recommendations
No explicit enforcement mechanism for report recommendations; implementation depends on subsequent presidential or congressional action