Postal Regulatory Commission vs. U.S. Board of Governors

Attribute	Postal Regulatory Commission	U.S. Board of Governors
Established By	Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006	Postal Reorganization Act of 1970
Role	Regulates the United States Postal Service	Oversees the USPS and sets policies
Members	5 Commissioners	11 Governors
Term Length	6 years	7 years
Chairperson	Michael Kubayanda	Ron Bloom

Introduction

When it comes to overseeing the United States Postal Service (USPS), two key entities play a crucial role in its governance and regulation: the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) and the U.S. Board of Governors. While both entities have a hand in shaping USPS policies and operations, they have distinct roles and responsibilities that set them apart. In this article, we will delve into the attributes of the PRC and the U.S. Board of Governors to understand how they contribute to the functioning of the USPS.

Postal Regulatory Commission

The Postal Regulatory Commission is an independent agency that was established by the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. The PRC is responsible for regulating the USPS and ensuring that it operates in a financially sustainable manner while providing high-quality service to the public. One of the key functions of the PRC is to review and approve USPS rate changes to ensure that they are reasonable and comply with the law.

Additionally, the PRC has the authority to investigate USPS operations and make recommendations for improvements. The PRC also plays a role in promoting transparency and accountability within the USPS by providing oversight and monitoring its performance. Overall, the PRC serves as a watchdog for the USPS, ensuring that it fulfills its mission while operating efficiently and effectively.

U.S. Board of Governors

The U.S. Board of Governors is another key entity that oversees the USPS. The Board is composed of up to nine governors who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The Board is responsible for setting policies and strategies for the USPS, as well as overseeing its operations and finances.

One of the primary functions of the Board of Governors is to appoint the Postmaster General, who serves as the chief executive officer of the USPS. The Board also plays a role in approving USPS budgets and major expenditures, as well as ensuring that the USPS complies with legal requirements and regulations. In essence, the Board of Governors provides strategic direction and guidance to the USPS to help it achieve its mission and goals.

Comparison of Attributes

• Authority: The Postal Regulatory Commission has regulatory authority over the USPS, while the U.S. Board of Governors has oversight and policy-setting authority.
• Composition: The PRC is composed of five commissioners who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, while the U.S. Board of Governors is composed of up to nine governors who are also appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
• Responsibilities: The PRC is primarily responsible for regulating USPS rates and operations, while the U.S. Board of Governors is responsible for setting policies, appointing the Postmaster General, and overseeing USPS operations.
• Independence: The PRC is an independent agency, while the U.S. Board of Governors is part of the USPS governance structure.
• Accountability: The PRC promotes transparency and accountability within the USPS, while the U.S. Board of Governors ensures that the USPS complies with legal requirements and regulations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Postal Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Board of Governors play critical roles in overseeing the USPS and ensuring that it operates effectively and efficiently. While the PRC focuses on regulatory functions and oversight, the U.S. Board of Governors provides strategic direction and policy guidance to the USPS. By working together, these two entities help to uphold the mission of the USPS and serve the needs of the American public.