# Plain Language Summary: Stamp Out Invasive Species Act

This bill creates a special postage stamp that costs a little bit more than regular stamps, with the extra money going toward fighting invasive species. Invasive species are plants and animals that don't naturally belong in an area and cause serious problems—they damage native wildlife, destroy ecosystems, and hurt local economies. Think of it like zebra mussels clogging water pipes, or pythons taking over the Florida Everglades. The bill recognizes these are real problems that need funding to address.

Here's how it works in practice: The U.S. Postal Service would design and sell a special "Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp" that you could buy whenever you mail something. The stamp would cost more than a regular stamp—but not more than 25 percent extra. So if a regular stamp costs 68 cents, this one might cost around 85 cents. When you use this stamp instead of a regular one, that extra money gets collected and sent to the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to fund their invasive species programs. The money would be split equally between these two departments and distributed at least twice a year.

The stamp would only be available for two years, starting within a year of the bill becoming law. This is essentially a voluntary way for people who care about environmental protection to contribute to invasive species control efforts every time they mail something. It's similar to other special stamps the postal service has issued for causes like breast cancer awareness—you're not required to buy it, but if you want to support the cause, you can choose to use it instead of a regular stamp.

Stamp Out Invasive Species Act

Stefanik, Elise M.

Stamp Out Invasive Species Act This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue and sell a Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp. Proceeds from the sale of the stamp must be transferred in equal proportion to the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture for combating invasive species. (Invasive species are nonnative species whose introduction poses a serious threat to natural ecosystems and causes detrimental economic damage to local communities.) The stamp must be made available to the public for two years.