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H.R.4400 / 103rd Congress

Postal Inspection Service and Inspector General Act

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 12, 1994

Postal Inspection Service and Inspector General Act - Prohibits the Postal Service from retaining the services of a paid confidential informant for purposes of investigations concerning the possible violation of laws relating to controlled substances unless the unlawful use of the mails is involved. Directs the Postal Service to render a semiannual report to the Congress concerning any investigation: (1) in which the Postal Service retains the services of a paid confidential informant; and (2) which results in the arrest of one or more individuals for violating any law relating to controlled substances. Creates a Chief Postal Inspector within the Postal Service. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to transfer internal audit and program review functions of the Postal Inspection Service to the Office of the Inspector General. Confers oversight responsibility for all activities of the Postal Inspection Service on the Inspector General of the Postal Service. Requires the Chief Postal Inspector to report significant activities being carried out by the Postal Inspection Service to the Inspector General. Applies all provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978 to the Postal Service.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Clay, William (Bill) [D-MO-1] · D–MO

Committees

  • Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  • Post Office and Civil Service Committee
  • Oversight and Government Reform Committee
26 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure.

  2. Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.

  3. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  4. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

  5. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

  6. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.

  7. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5085-5088)

  8. Ms. Collins (MI) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  9. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. H. Rept. 103-561, Part I.

  10. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. H. Rept. 103-561, Part I.

  11. Ordered to be Reported (Amended).

  12. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  13. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee.

  14. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  15. Subcommittee Hearings Held.

  16. Referred to the Subcommittee on Postal Operations and Services.

  17. Referred to the Subcommittee on Legislation and National Security.

  18. Referred to the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.

  19. Referred to the House Committee on Government Operations.

  20. Introduced in House

  21. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Feb 4, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.4400 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.4400 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.4400 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.4400 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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