This bill directs the Postmaster General to update United States Postal Service (USPS) systems to better recognize and preserve address data used in Puerto Rico. The updates must be developed and implemented within 180 days of enactment. The work includes using USPS operational data (such as Undeliverable-As-Addressed codes and delivery exception records) to find locations with persistent address or delivery problems, updating address records and routing tables for those locations, and changing address-matching, validation, and routing systems so they support Spanish diacritical marks and other address elements used locally. The Postmaster General must consult with the Census Bureau, the Puerto Rico Planning Board, and local governments. A report is required to Congress one year after enactment and annually for three years describing actions taken, progress, barriers, and recommendations. The bill defines "diacritical mark" as accents, tildes, or other Spanish orthographic signs.
The bill requires USPS to try to make address data in Puerto Rico more accurate. USPS must look for places with repeated delivery or validation problems and update its address and routing information. Systems must be changed to allow Spanish characters like accents and tildes in addresses. USPS will work with the Census Bureau and local Puerto Rico officials and must report progress to Congress.
The bill says no additional money is authorized. The Postmaster General must carry out the work using amounts already appropriated or available to USPS. No publicly available information on specific cost estimates or budget impacts is provided in the bill text.
Supporters say accurate address data and correct use of local characters are essential for reliable mail delivery, e-commerce, and fair distribution of federal services. The bill’s findings say existing mismatches between local addresses and USPS-recognized addresses cause delivery and validation failures, and that preserving correct spelling and characters helps maintain record integrity, meet language access standards, and protect identity and property records. They also say coordination with the Census Bureau and local planning boards will improve data accuracy and equity.
No publicly available information.