BILL: Postal Vehicle Modernization Act (H.R.1636)

H.R. 1636 - Postal Vehicle Modernization Act

Bill Overview

• Title: Postal Vehicle Modernization Act
• Sponsored by: Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Cali.)
• Purpose: To fund the purchase of electric or zero-emission vehicles for the United States Postal Service (USPS) fleet.

Current Status

• The bill is currently under review by the House Committee on Oversight Reform.

Key Elements of the Bill

• Authorization of Funds:
  • Allocates $6 billion for the purchase of delivery vehicles for USPS.
  • Funds to remain available until expended and deposited into the Postal Service Fund. 
• Electric or Zero-Emission Vehicle Purchase:
  • At least 75% of new vehicles purchased with these funds should be electric or zero-emissions.
  • From the date of enactment until Dec. 31, 2029, at least 50% of new medium- or heavy-duty vehicles purchased must be electric or zero-emission. Starting in 2040, all new medium- or heavy-duty vehicles purchased must be electric or zero-emission. 
• Charging Station Regulations:
  • By Jan. 1, 2026, at least one electric vehicle charging station must be available at each publicly accessible postal facility.
• Compliance and Regulations:
  • The USPS must comply with the Buy American Act — requiring federal agencies to produce materials domestically — and applicable federal labor and civil rights laws.
• Sense of Safety:
  • Encourages equipping USPS vehicles with climate control units for mail carrier health and safety in extreme temperatures. 

Supports and Critiques

• Supporting view from sponsor Rep. Huffman:

"By investing in modern, efficient vehicles we can transform the USPS into a global leader in efficiency and innovation, helping revitalize the beleaguered Postal Service and saving taxpayers billions of dollars each year. With this funding, there is no valid reason not to move forward with completely electrifying the USPS vehicle fleet."

• Critiques from Republican lawmakers:
  • Republican lawmakers part of the "anti-woke" movement, such as Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), are resistant to plans for electric vehicles. Comer said:

"I think we're a ways again from that [postal fleet electrification]. This isn't something that Republicans are interested in right now."