LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL REPORT

THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION: NIGHTMARE OR REALITY?

s the nation works its way through the first • Increases postal rates, including the hundred days of the Trump Presidency reinstitution of one-half of the exigent rate A and the 115th Congress, there are still too surcharge that was terminated in 2016 many questions and not enough answers. This uncertainty has stymied not only the NPMHU RESOLUTIONS and all Mail Handlers, but also most so-called As was true during last year’s 114th Congress, pundits, lobbyists, and experts. Even native the National Postal Mail Handlers Union will be Washingtonians have seen nothing like it! joining with other postal union representatives The NPMHU is often waiting to see the latest at the APWU, the NALC, and the NRLCA to proposals, whether they appear in draft legisla- support three Congressional resolutions that are ROBERT LOSI, Legislative and Political Director tion, in executive orders, or in recent messages supportive of all four craft unions. on Twitter or Facebook. And even after those H. Res. 31, Introduced by Congressman David proposals are disseminated, it often is unclear what McKinley (R-WV), joined by Congresswoman OWCP or the Office of Workers’ Compensation impact such proposals might have on the NPMHU Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Congressman David Programs; hiring freezes; changes in dues deduc- membership or other postal or federal employees. Joyce (R-OH), Congresswoman Linda Sanchez tion procedures; attacks on union or official time President Trump’s favorability ratings are at (D-CA), Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), to impair the way that the NPMHU represents its historically low levels, but his supporters con- and Congressman Don Young (R-AK). The res- members; and much more. The NPMHU must tinue to believe confidently that he will deliver olution requests that the United States Postal and will stay diligent and remain aware that not on his campaign promises. Only time will tell if Service take all appropriate measures to restore every Member of the House and the Senate sup- the first year of the Trump Administration is a service standards in effect as of July 1, 2012. ports a prosperous and strong U.S. Postal Service. fantasy nightmare or the new reality. H. Res. 28, Introduced by Congresswoman LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE LEGISLATION Susan Davis (D-CA). This resolution aims to protect door-to-door delivery. Republican mem- On May 8 and 9, 2017, Mail Handler leaders will On January 31, 2017, Representative Jason Chaffetz bers David Joyce (R-OH) and Peter King (R-NY) meet in the nation’s capital to discuss legislative (R-UT) – chairman of the House Oversight and joined in supporting this bi-partisan resolution. issues that affect the everyday lives of our active Government Reform Committee – introduced H.R. It states that the United States Postal Service and retired members at the NPMHU’s biennial 756, the Postal Reform Act of 2017. This bi-partisan should take all appropriate measures to ensure Legislative Conference. These activists will be legislation was co-sponsored by Ranking Member the continuation of door delivery. trained by Legislative Department and Capitol Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Congressman Stephen H. Res., Introduced by Congressman Sam Hill experts. On the second day of the conference, Lynch (D-MA), Congressman Mark Meadows Graves (R-MO) and Congressman Gerald scores of mail handlers will then lobby Members (R-NC), Congressman Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Connolly (D-VA). This resolution states that of Congress and their staffers, both in the House and Congressman Dennis Ross (R-FL). the United States Postal Service should take all of Representatives and the Senate, not just on our This bill certainly is not perfect, but if adopted appropriate measures to ensure the continuation legislative priorities, but also to educate Capitol it would accomplish much in righting the disas- of 6-day delivery. Hill representatives about the key role that the trous effects of the Postal Accountability and Postal Service plays in the American economy Enhancement Act of 2006, which continues to WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON? and in the everyday lives of their constituents. inflict much pain upon the USPS. Besides the legislation and resolutions listed WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF H.R. 756 above, the NPMHU Legislative Department will again be playing defense when it comes to ben- Sign up as an e-activist through our website, at • Establishes separate postal health plan within FEHB efits and other employee gains that have been www.npmhu.org. You also can participate in our • Integrates postal retirees into Medicare Part B achieved over the past few decades. Some of our NPMHU Political Action Committee, which pro- concerns about the 115th Congress will be repeats vides financial support directly to the campaigns • Addresses unfair prefunding schedule run by Members of the House and Senate – now required for retiree health benefits of battles that have been fought in previous Congresses, such as pension reform that would regardless of party affiliation – if those Members • Reforms the governance of the Postal Service force mail handlers to pay more into their pen- support NPMHU positions on these key issues. • Increases the scope of non-postal services sions without receiving any improved benefits; Robert Losi that can be performed by the USPS privatization of postal jobs; so-called reform of Legislative and Political Director

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