Bill > HR6441

This bill aims to improve the accuracy of postal address data in Puerto Rico by requiring the Postmaster General to update the United States Postal Service's systems to better recognize and preserve local addressing conventions, particularly those involving Spanish language characters. Specifically, the bill mandates that within 180 days of enactment, the Postal Service must identify locations with persistent address recognition issues, update address records and routing information, and revise systems to support diacritical marks (such as accents and tildes) in addresses. The Postmaster General must consult with the Census Bureau, Puerto Rico Planning Board, and local governments to gather necessary information. The bill requires annual reporting to Congress detailing the actions taken, progress made, and any barriers encountered. The legislation recognizes that current addressing systems often fail to accurately capture Spanish language place names, street names, and surnames, which can lead to delivery errors and data mismatches. By improving address recognition, the bill seeks to enhance mail delivery reliability, support e-commerce, and ensure more equitable distribution of federal services in Puerto Rico. Importantly, the bill specifies that these improvements will be implemented using existing appropriated funds, with no additional funding authorized.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6441/all-info