# Understanding the Semipostal Stamp Clarification Act of 2021

Right now, the U.S. Postal Service has the power to create and sell special stamps called "semipostals" on its own authority. These are stamps that cost more than regular postage, with the extra money going to charitable causes or important purposes. For example, the Postal Service could decide to create a semipostal stamp to raise money for disaster relief or medical research without needing permission from Congress first. This bill changes that by requiring Congress to specifically approve any new semipostal stamps before the Postal Service can issue them.

The practical effect is that the Postal Service loses its independent ability to launch new charitable stamp programs. If someone wants to create a semipostal stamp for a cause they care about—whether that's funding cancer research, supporting veterans, or responding to a natural disaster—they would now need to convince Congress to pass a law authorizing it first. This adds a layer of bureaucratic approval that didn't exist before. The bill also removes some outdated language from the existing law and clarifies that the Postal Service must keep its administrative costs for running these programs as low as possible.

For everyday people, this means fewer new charitable stamp options unless Congress actively votes to create them. If you've ever bought a special stamp knowing part of the price went to a good cause, you might see fewer of those options in the future. The change essentially shifts control over these stamp programs from the Postal Service to Congress, making it a more political process rather than an administrative one.

Semipostal Stamp Clarification Act of 2021

Burgess, Michael C.

Semipostal Stamp Clarification Act of 2021 This bill removes the authority of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to issue semipostal stamps (stamps sold at a premium to raise funds for causes of national public interest) except as provided by an act of Congress. (Currently, the USPS issues semipostals using its own discretion to determine the causes it considers to be in the national public interest.) The bill also makes entities (currently, only agencies) eligible to receive amounts that become available from the sale of semipostals. Congress must determine the appropriate agencies or entities that receive such amounts. The USPS must issue regulations addressing how administrative costs incurred relating to semipostals shall be computed, recovered, and kept to a minimum.