# Plain Language Summary: USPS Subpoena Authority Act

Right now, the Postal Service has limited power to demand that people hand over documents or testify when investigating crimes. This bill would expand those powers significantly. Specifically, it would let the Postmaster General issue subpoenas—legal orders to produce evidence—in investigations involving a much wider range of offenses than currently allowed. The new categories would include violations of postal laws, mail fraud schemes, drug trafficking that uses the mail system, and various other crimes listed in federal law.

When the Postal Service issues one of these expanded subpoenas, it could require people to turn over any records, documents, or physical evidence that investigators think is relevant to their case. In most situations, it could also require the person holding those records to show up and testify about where the documents came from and whether they're authentic. The only exception is for certain internal Postal Service investigations, where testimony wouldn't be required. This means if you're a business, bank, or other organization that handles mail or information related to a mail-based crime, you could potentially be compelled to produce documents and appear as a witness without going through the normal court process.

The bill also tightens who can approve these subpoenas within the Postal Service. Currently, approval authority might be spread among various officials. Under this change, only three people could sign off on subpoenas: the Postal Service's General Counsel, a Deputy General Counsel, or the Chief Postal Inspector. Supporters argue this gives the Postal Service better tools to fight mail fraud and drug trafficking. Critics might worry it expands government power to demand information without requiring a judge's approval first, which is different from how law enforcement typically operates in other contexts.

USPS Subpoena Authority Act

Malliotakis, Nicole

USPS Subpoena Authority Act This bill expands the administrative subpoena authority of the U.S. Postal Service. Specifically, the bill authorizes subpoenas to investigate additional violations of law that involve the mail, including violations related to controlled substances.