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FEDERALhearing transcript

Senate Hearing on Postal Regulatory Commission Nominations

Original title: NOMINATIONS OF HON. ROBERT G. TAUB AND HON. MARK D. ACTON

January 1, 2017

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The Frame

What this does

The sets postal rates and oversees U.S. Postal Service operations, meaning these appointments directly influence the cost and quality of mail delivery services for all residents.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

U.S. Postal Service customers

The nominees will participate in decisions regarding postal rates and service standards that affect all mail users.

Robert G. Taub

He is seeking confirmation for a commissioner position at the Postal Regulatory Commission.

Mark D. Acton

He is seeking confirmation for a commissioner position at the Postal Regulatory Commission.

What changed

Last recorded activity January 1, 2017.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a hearing to consider the nominations of Robert G. Taub and Mark D. Acton for positions as Commissioners of the . The committee reviewed their professional backgrounds and qualifications for overseeing the U.S. Postal Service.

Key Facts

  • The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a hearing on November 15, 2016, to evaluate the nominations of Robert G. Taub and Mark D. Acton.
  • The Postal Regulatory Commission is responsible for setting postal rates, adjudicating complaints, and overseeing delivery service standards for the U.S. Postal Service.
  • Robert G. Taub is the current Acting Chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission and a former staffer for the Government Accountability Office and Representative John McHugh.
  • Mark D. Acton previously served at the Republican National Committee for over 20 years and as a Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission.
  • Committee staff interviewed both nominees prior to the hearing and reported that they answered all questions to the committee's satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Postal Regulatory Commission do?
It provides oversight of the U.S. Postal Service, including setting postal rates, preventing anticompetitive practices, and managing delivery service standards.
What is the purpose of this hearing?
The hearing is part of the Senate's constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on presidential nominations for federal commissioners.

Why It Matters

The sets postal rates and oversees U.S. Postal Service operations, meaning these appointments directly influence the cost and quality of mail delivery services for all residents.

News Coverage

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Sponsors

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Historical Confirmation Process

The document captures the standard vetting process for federal commissioners during the 114th Congress.

Connected Entities

organizationPostal Regulatory CommissionThe federal agency responsible for overseeing the U.S. Postal Service.Map →
organizationU.S. Postal ServiceThe entity regulated by the Postal Regulatory Commission.Map →
personMark D. ActonNominee for Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission.Map →
personRobert G. TaubNominee for Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission and current Acting Map →
personJames LankfordU.S. Senator presiding over the hearing.Map →

Sources

Open source document

www.govinfo.gov

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance40
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy10
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment5
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz5
    Current news / social attention level

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