AGENCY:

Postal Regulatory Commission.

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Commission proposes revisions to its rules related to the Commission's process for developing views submitted to the Secretary of State on certain international mail matters. The Commission invites public comment on the propose rules.

DATES:

Comments are due: January 22, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

For additional information, Order No. 5353 can be accessed electronically through the Commission's website at https://www.prc.gov. Submit comments electronically via the Commission's Filing Online system at http://www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit comments electronically should contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section by telephone for advice on filing alternatives.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 202-789-6820.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Relevant Statutory Requirements

II. Background

III. Basis and Purpose of Proposed Rules

IV. Proposed Rules

I. Relevant Statutory Requirements

Section 407(c)(1) of title 39 of the United States Code requires that the Secretary of State, before concluding a treaty, convention, or amendment establishing a market dominant rate or classification, request the Commission's views on the consistency of such rate or classification with the modern rate-setting criteria of 39 U.S.C. 3622. Commission views entail the review and analysis of numerous proposals from the UPU or its member countries, which are typically posted on the UPU website pursuant to a series of deadlines that begin about 6 months before a Congress convenes.

II. Background

In Docket No. RM2015-14, the Commission adopted rules formalizing its procedures related to Commission views submitted pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 407(c)(1).^[1] The adopted rules reflected the Commission's commitment to both transparency and improved public accessibility by establishing dockets that informed the public about the availably of relevant proposals, Commission views, and other related documents, and by allowing all documents to be incorporated into one comprehensive record.

III. Basis and Purpose of Proposed Rules

In the years since the procedures related Commission views were established, the Commission has participated in both traditional UPU Congresses as well as two extraordinary Congresses. In light of that experience, the Commission is proposing minor improvements to enhance transparency and accountability within the Commission views process as well as to improve the accessibility of relevant proposals, Commission views, and related documents. The proposed rules make clarifying changes that are intended to better reflect the Commission's procedures related to the posting of relevant proposals and Commission views.

IV. Proposed Rules

List of Subjects for 39 CFR Part 3017

• Administrative practice and procedure
• Postal Service
• Treaties

For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Commission proposes to amend chapter III of title 39 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

1. Revise part 3017 to read as follows:

PART 3017—PROCEDURES RELATED TO COMMISSION VIEWS

Authority: 39 U.S.C. 407; 503.

Footnotes